The Origins and Consequences of Congressional Party Election Agendas

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Focusing on congressional party election agendas, this Element explores their origins, priorities, and influence on legislative activity post-election. It analyzes the Republican Contract with America and the Democratic New Direction for America, revealing that both agendas were shaped by leadership through inclusive processes. The study quantifies how agenda promises targeted specific caucus segments and aligned with leadership messaging. After gaining a majority, both parties shifted legislative focus toward their agendas, though the resulting policy outcomes were significantly limited.