Follow the Leader: Issue-Dependent Representation in American Political Institutions

Abstract

We reinvigorate the search for agenda leaders and followers in the American political system. We focus on representation by including the public's policy agenda in our investigation of the interactions of the presidential and congressional agendas. Examining the issue areas of macroeconomics, law and crime, defense, and government operations, we find that Congress and the president are responsive to public concerns. However, representation at the agenda stage of the policy process is limited and issue dependent. We find that the president's agenda is more likely to influence public priorities than to reflect them. Lastly, we find that the president also exerts strong leadership over the congressional agenda. If there is a clear leader in the agenda stage of the policy process, it is the president.