What do political scientists mean when they refer to “home-style”?


Answer: Political scientist Richard Fenno coined the term “home-style” as what representatives do back in their home districts and how they represent their constituents.  The purpose of this is to help the constituents, so that they will re-elect the representative. These constituencies can be seen as four circles, each embedded in the other.  The largest is the geographic district, which is all the voters.  Inside that circle is electoral supporters or people who will vote for the representative.  Next is primary supporters who work for the representative. Finally, we have the representative’s intimates who are family, friends and advisors.