Source Texts
Text
While no one doubts that politicians are influenced by a variety of incentives, it is generally agreed that they seek to support policies their constituents favor --- after all, they risk losing office if they do not. Direct contact with constituents via such means as public events and emails from voters is a major source of politicians' beliefs about their constituents' views, but it is susceptible to a selection effect. There is little reason to presume that individuals with the time, resources, and strength of feeling to directly engage with their representatives are themselves broadly representative.