Warm Up Write down the three standards that are most important to you for a successful Congress. Briefly explain your choices Works well with the President Passes many laws intended to solve national problems Represents a wide variety of opinions Has many experienced members Gets a high percentage of its members re-elected Closely reflects popular opinion Compromises to get things done

Monday, October 26, 2015 Objective: Students will be able to explain the basic roles of Congress. Materials needed: pen/pencil, notebook, 1 piece of paper for short assignment at the end of class

Congress: The Job Congress has a split personality. On the one hand, it is a lawmaking institution and makes policy for the entire nation. In this capacity, all the members are expected to set aside their personal ambitions and perhaps even the concerns of their constituencies. Yet Congress is also a representative assembly, made up of 535 elected officials who serve as links between their constituents and the National Government. The dual roles of making laws and responding to constituents’ demands forces members to balance national concerns against the specific interests of their States or districts. —James M. Burns, et al., Government by the People

Roles of People in Congress Legislator: Study and draft proposed legislation Represent their constituents Serve on specialized committees Balance the interests between what their party wants and what their constituents want All of these roles must be performed in order to win reelection Why are the legislative and agent of constituent roles the most important?

Why are these options important in determining the outcome of a vote?

Personal and Political Background of Congress To what extent should the composition of Congress reflect that of the general population? Why?

Personal and Political Background of Congress Many members of Congress are millionaires Most members have a lot of experience in government Congress is made up of upper-middle-class Americans, who are, for the most part, quite able and hardworking people

Terms and Sessions of Congress Each term lasts for 2 years Session: period of time each year during which Congress assembles and conducts business How does the Senate arrangement differ from the House?

Congressional Pay and Benefits Members of Congress are required by the Constitution to set their own salaries Senators and representatives are paid $174,000 per year Members in Congress also enjoy additional benefits Examples: healthcare, tax deductions for have 2 places of residence in 2 different states

Why serve in Congress? To bring about changes they care about and to help their communities Members are well respected Prestige/attention Use as a launching pad for higher political office

Synthesis: How should representatives vote? What factors do you think are most important for members of Congress to consider when casting their votes? Explain the importance of each factor. Your paragraph needs to be at least ½ page in length.