Washington style: Members of Congress on Capitol Hill.

Abstract

Members of the United States House of Representatives adopt one of three distinct patterns or styles of behavior in Washington: a constituent style, policy style or partisan style. These styles are the vehicles House members adopt to balance personal, local and national interests in their Washington work. These styles are influenced by members' perceptions of themselves, their districts and their political environments on Capitol Hill. The styles members adopt, in turn, directly influence the kinds of representational linkages they provide their constituents. Members develop their Washington styles early in their careers, making numerous adjustments during their first few years on the Hill. After they have developed styles which they and their constituents are comfortable, their styles of work in Washington become relatively more stable. While local concerns and opinions weigh heavily on members' behavioral decisions in Washington, personal interests and the political environment on the Hill can and do exert independent influences on members' Washington styles. Ultimately, though, House members are accountable to their constituents both for the styles they adopt in Washington and the kinds of linkage they provide through them.