Which term describes the practice of exchanging favors or support among lawmakers in order to gain passage of legislation?

• A. Logrolling
• B. Patronage
• C. Filibuster
• D. Pork-barrel spending

Answer: (A)

Logrolling is the practice of exchanging favors or votes among lawmakers to secure the passage of legislation. In legislative bargaining, members trade support: I’ll back your bill if you back mine, creating a mutual gain that helps both measures move forward. This tactic helps build coalitions when the math of votes is tight, allowing bills to gain enough approval to pass.

Patronage involves rewarding supporters with jobs or appointments, not reciprocal voting on legislation. A filibuster is a delaying tactic used to stall or block action on a bill, not a voluntary exchange of votes. Pork-barrel spending refers to directing funds to specific local projects to please constituents, rather than trading votes for broader legislative success. The distinctive feature of logrolling is the reciprocal exchange of legislative support to achieve passage.