ABSTRACT
The individual member of Congress is elected to office and discharges the duties of that office in a political and institutional environment shaped by the US governmental system. Members of each party tend to share certain broad beliefs that have some effect on policy choices. Party label may be said to be the most important of several predictors of a member's total voting pattern. The four factors—a presidential system, federalism, declining party influence, and the electoral system—shape the environment in which every legislator works. Congressional committees have appointed staff since the mid-1800s, but since 1946, when the Legislative Reorganization Act was passed, committee staffs have increased in size and have become increasingly expert and professional. Legislative aides are generally trained as lawyers or have specific expertise in an issue area, as, for example, a doctoral degree in Asian studies; many, particularly on committees, have prior experience in government or the private sector.
