The Pennsylvania constitution of 1776 as an example. Made the people themselves a check on legislative power-open meetings, plus no bill could become law until the next session, enabling people to reject laws by electing new representatives. The revolving door promised lucrative jobs in the private sector.
Typical incumbents hold a huge advantage over challengers in campaign fundraising.
Incumbency privileges . The personal staffs of representatives and senators grew enormously from the 1960s until the late 1980s. Senators even more. About 40 percent of House staff are assigned to district offices. The franking privilege .