What should a Congressperson's first loyalty be?

[Lyric]

Just wondering what the prevailing opinion is. I understand that a Congressperson should always strive for balance between these loyalties, but when one or more of them is in direct conflict with the other(s)...what do you think should always come first and foremost?

Edit: I didn't add the Constitution, because it's obvious that in the event of a Constitutional conflict, the Constitution would ALWAYS come first. This is more about issues that are not Constitutional conflicts--times when one or more of the listed options are in conflict with one another. Just wanted to clear that up.

[Nictuku]

1. What about to the Constitution?`

... You know, the oath they swore to uphold and protect it?

[Lyric]

3. I guess I thought that if, in the event of a Constitutional conflict, it would seem obvious

that the Constitution would come first and foremost.

But assuming there isn't a Constitutional conflict, I'm wondering what people think.

[MuseRider]

2. The constitution.

It may put them at odds with their constituents requiring education for understanding. It may put them at odds with their own conscience. It may put them at a different place than their party. They are not elected to party vote to keep peace within, vote for what makes them most comfortable or to allow bullying by majorities but to stand for what is right and the base for those decisions has to be our constitution.

[LakeSamish706]

4. Yep, that would be my answer as well.... The Constitution is their bible! n/t

[Lyric]

6. There are a lot of problems that aren't Constitutional in nature.

I'm wondering where those loyalties are expected to be when there isn't a Constitutional issue at hand.

[MuseRider]

16. I had to go out

for a while but thought about this. I certainly am no constitutional scholar but I think everything can be help up to the constitution. What kinds of things are you talking about?

[Ichingcarpenter]

5. The Constitution? They swear an oath to that first

Not voting until you put that in.

[librechik]

7. Constitution first, constituents second, oherwise the whole system falls apart

as we have seen.

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

8. The Constitution of the United States

That is what they swear to defend against all enemies, foreign and domestic.

[Killy]

9. Representation.

The Constitution first, because it is the heart of the United States.
The People second, because that is who they were elected to represent.
The Party third, because that party represents the ideals they supposedly support.

[kath]

10. The Constitution, dammit.

[GracieMansion]

11. conscience

[Breeze54]

12. The Constitution, Constituents, and what is right/wrong according to the laws.

As in, for example, RW Jane Q Public may not agree with a woman's right to choose and perhaps she's from a state that is heavily religious and against it but the law states that a woman has the right to choose, then RW Jane Q Public should follow the law!

[Greyhound]

13. The Oath states defend and protect The Constitution. Apparently you forgot that bit.

:wtf:

[magellan]

14. To their oath of office, i.e. the Constitution

The Rule of Law is the legal framework that must encapsulate everything else they do.

[johnnie]

15. Having Kucinich as my congressman I hear this shit all the time

"He should be here doing his job, not out there doing goofy things like running for President".

I think many people think the the job of their congressman/woman is to fix the potholes on Market street.