Legislative socialization and interbranch rivalry: consequences of divided party government

This article tests the hypothesis that members of Congress are socialized into certain attitudes concerning interbranch comity or rivalry early during their tenures in office. Specifically, utilizing a multivariate regression model, we test the claim made by several scholars and former presidents that members who initially serve in Congress under a president of the other party will be less likely than their colleagues to support subsequent presidents of their own party. Our findings provide little support for a 'socialized to opposition' mentality and, in fact, indicate that members socialized under an opposition president are modestly more amenable to leadership from presidents of their own party.