Essay 11

(2001_2) the graph above shows reelection rates for incumbents in the House and Senate. From this information and your knowledge of of the US politics, perform the following 
tasks. (Fig 12.1)

a) identify two patterns displayed in the graph
The House of Representatives overall has higher reelection rates than the Senate. 
The Senate has a large fall in 1980, dropping from 90% to 55%. 

b) identify 2 factors that contribute to incumbency advantage. Explain how each factor contributes to incumbency advantage.
Two factors that contribute to incumbency advantage are finances and familiarity. People feel comfortable with recognition, knowing what they are getting and knowing about the system. Every campaign also needs money. Incumbents already have an advantage because they have the financial stability to pay for advertisement and other media. 

c) Discuss one consequence of incumbency advantage for the US political process:
Consequences of incumbency advantage include the lack of diversity and change. Incumbent political officials have advantages over other outsiders during election because they are already well known and have the media aspect. This can be found in congressional politics because they are already so well known that when they run for reelection they have that familiarity with the public that other new candidates may be ignored. This is a consequence because it does not allow the system to have diversity and change. The same incumbents will continue to be reelected.