Which two functions of Congress frequently create conflicts for congressional representatives?

A. Contributing to standing committees with broad objectives and forming highly specialized joint committees
B. Promoting republicanism and creating policies that set limits on who can become U.S. citizens
C. Representing the interests of voters in their home states and passing laws that help the country as a whole
D. Empowering their own political party and encouraging political participation by members of all parties

Political activity naturally creates conflicts of interest. Parliamentarians are the politicians who most often complain about it. Firstly, a parliamentarian was elected by an electoral base, for which he needs to give satisfaction on his political mandate. He or she was elected with the promise of acting in a way that voters would like, that is representation.

However, the parliamentarian also needs to make choices that benefit the nation as a whole and this may eventually displease his electoral base. For example, if the country needs a tax reform that will be very important for the economy of the country, but this same reform can greatly impact the voter, the parliamentarian is faced with a conflict of interests: to vote against and to please his voter or vote in favor of the country and leave the voter angry.

It is important to emphasize that the right of all should override particular interests if the politician acts with honesty.