Research, News, and Case Studies

This study examines how congressional casework affects constituents' evaluation of incumbents using actual member-constituent contacts. Results show casework benefits incumbents but its impact varies by partisanship and creates a ripple effect on constituent opinion formation.

By: George Serra, University of Miami

This paper explores how representatives can proactively address constituent needs rather than simply reacting to problems. The research examines strategies for identifying community issues before they become critical and building systems for ongoing constituent engagement.

By: Megan Rickman-Blackwood, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

If played just right, members of Congress can see a political payoff from simply doing their jobs and helping out voters who elected them. It's one reason incumbents fare well come Election Day.

By: Juana Summers, NPR