Actors, Athletes, and Astronauts
Political Amateurs in the United States Congress
196 pages
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5 figures, 13 tables
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6.00 x 9.00
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© 1990
- Contents
Table of Contents

Contents
Acknowledgments
Introduction
1. Theory: When Amateurs Appear
Amateurism: A Definition and Its Political Implications
The Career Structure
Determinants of the Career Structure: Why Amateurs Are Elected
Conclusion
2. Theory: What Amateurs Do
The Existing Theoretical Arguments
A Theory of Amateurism
Conclusion
3. Changes in Political Career Structures
The Conventional Wisdom: Political Career Paths and Change in the Opportunity Structure
The Dynamics of Career Structures
Charting Changes in the Congressional Career Structure
Explaining Change in the Congressional Career Structure
4. Political Experience and Elections
Political Experience in Primary Elections
Political Experience in Congressional Elections
Experienced Challengers and Election Outcomes
Conclusion
5. Amateurs in Congress
Member Goals and Political Behavior
The Legislative Career in the House and Senate
Behavior in the House and Senate
Conclusion
6. Conclusions and Consequences
Theoretical Developments
Amateurs in the Political System
Appendix A: Coding Prior Political Experience
Appendix B: Probit Analysis of Political Experience in Congressional Elections
Index
Introduction
1. Theory: When Amateurs Appear
Amateurism: A Definition and Its Political Implications
The Career Structure
Determinants of the Career Structure: Why Amateurs Are Elected
Conclusion
2. Theory: What Amateurs Do
The Existing Theoretical Arguments
A Theory of Amateurism
Conclusion
3. Changes in Political Career Structures
The Conventional Wisdom: Political Career Paths and Change in the Opportunity Structure
The Dynamics of Career Structures
Charting Changes in the Congressional Career Structure
Explaining Change in the Congressional Career Structure
4. Political Experience and Elections
Political Experience in Primary Elections
Political Experience in Congressional Elections
Experienced Challengers and Election Outcomes
Conclusion
5. Amateurs in Congress
Member Goals and Political Behavior
The Legislative Career in the House and Senate
Behavior in the House and Senate
Conclusion
6. Conclusions and Consequences
Theoretical Developments
Amateurs in the Political System
Appendix A: Coding Prior Political Experience
Appendix B: Probit Analysis of Political Experience in Congressional Elections
Index
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Political Science: American Government and Politics
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