In the 1998 mid-term elections, Republicans continued their domination of the House by winning 223 seats to 211 for the Democrats, with 1 independent. This result represented a net gain of 5 seats for the Democrats. The 100-member Senate has two members from each state, regardless of population. Each senator serves a six-year term. Political Rights and Civil Liberties Americans can change their government democratically.
Elections are competitive, but congressional incumbents win in a majority of cases.
In recent years, the cost of political campaigns has risen substantially. Much of a candidate s time is consumed with fund-raising, and while Congress has periodically passed laws imposing limitations on political contributions, candidates have found ways to circumvent the spirit of the laws, and court decisions have limited their effectiveness. Indeed, both Bill Bradley and John McCain made reform of the election finance system a priority in their early campaigning for the presidency. Some critics have argued that generous contributions by business, labor unions, and other special interests have made it practically impossible for candidates to dislodge incumbents. Recent elections, however, have tended to weaken the thrust of that argument.