Abstract
T _HE IMPORTANCE of congressional decisions on energy policy has provoked considerable speculation but relatively little empirical analysis on why congressmen vote as they do.1 Speculation has focused on three main factors as explanations for congressional voting behavior on energy policy: (1) the relative economic benefit to the district; (2) the party affiliation of the congressman; and (3) the ideology of the congressman. This analysis of votes on energy policy during the 94th Congress demonstrates the relative importance of the ideological factor and explores the ways in which the other factors condition the relationship between ideology and voting behavior on energy. This analysis is needed substantively as a counterweight to much of the published material, especially that by energy-policy specialists, which incorrectly attributes congressional voting behavior to constituency pressures. It also makes a significant methodological contribution by going beyond mere establishment of the relative importance of ideology to show how party and constituency interests condition the impact of ideology on voting.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
