ABSTRACT
Chapter 2 reviews existing scholarship and primary source material to trace the changes in congressional office communication practices over time. From the days of handwritten correspondence through today’s use of digital technology, Members have consistently utilized technologies new and old to circulate legislative information, bring attention and assistance to the district, and solicit constituent feedback. Each time the cost of communication has decreased, the volume of constituent communications has increased significantly. However, there have not been in-kind increases in office resources. Members have responded to these changes by prioritizing efficient responses to constituents.
