Political Parties: Is Continuous Campaigning Causing a Lack of Governing?

Option B: Political Parties: Is Continuous Campaigning Causing a Lack of Governing? Watch the you tube video Are the Political Parties Destroying American Politics by Bob Schieffer from the Dec. 4, 2011 CBS Face the Nation television program at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mQVrZBKIAk8 Bob Schieffer raises concerns that a political party’s continuous focus on elections, campaigns and winning seats is resulting in a lack of actual governing (producing policies) and creating gridlock. According to the Congressional Research Service report on the Roles and Duties of a Member of Congress: Brief Overview by R. Eric Petersen, November 9, 2012, ‘Today, the roles and duties carried out by a Member of Congress are understood to include representation, legislation, and constituent service and education, as well as political and electoral activities…….. survey found that the three most frequently mentioned duties and activities were the drafting and introduction of legislation; helping constituents solve problems; and representing the interests of their districts and constituents.’ How does a political party’s continuous focus on elections impact a Member of Congress’ role and duty of legislation (public policy making)? How does this impact governing? You may respond by citing an example.