PhD’s, Professionalism, and Public Office: The Effeect of Education and Professional Experience on Effectiveness in the U.S. House of Representatives

Authors

McKenna Westra, Brigham Young University
Jay Goodliffe, Brigham Young University

Keywords

U.S. House of Representatives, professionalism, public office, education, experience

College

Family, Home, and Social Sciences

Department

Political Science

Abstract

We commonly attribute advanced levels of education with increased skill and capabilities. While the theory backing this assumption has been proven to be true in a variety of applications, often times the trend can unintentionally be extrapolated to other areas. As voters, we are inclined to view candidates with higher or more prestigious education as more experienced than other candidates. I will study the effects that professional and educational backgrounds have on legislators’ performance in office. If the assumption holds true that those with more education are better qualified, then these individuals should remain in office for more terms, should hold more leadership positions, and be more effective in their elected office. Understanding the importance of candidates’ professional and educational backgrounds on effectiveness in office can help us better know how to elect the best individuals into office.

Recommended Citation

Westra, McKenna and Goodliffe, Jay (2017) "PhD’s, Professionalism, and Public Office: The Effeect of Education and Professional Experience on Effectiveness in the U.S. House of Representatives," Journal of Undergraduate Research: Vol. 2017: Iss. 1, Article 70.
Available at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/jur/vol2017/iss1/70