Bell Work How do you think members of Congress decide how they are going to vote on an issue?

In Lak’ech by Luis Valdez Tu eres me otro yo Si te hago daño a ti, Me hago daño a mi mismo Si te amo y respeto Me amo y respeto yo You are my other me If I do harm to you, I do harm to myself If I love and respect you I love and respect myself

Bell Work How do you think members of Congress decide how they are going to vote on an issue?

Influences on Lawmakers Many factors influence how a lawmaker votes lawmaker’s temperament the nature of the issue input from congressional staffers

The Influence of Voters The voting record of a lawmaker is an important factor in reelection. Lawmakers usually go along with their constituents’ preferences. Lawmakers learn the opinions of their constituents through visits, messages, surveys and polls, and key supporters.

The Influence of Parties Party identification is a key influence on a lawmaker’s voting behavior. Both Democrats and Republicans tend to vote with their parties. Party members tend to share the same political outlook. Lawmakers turn to fellow party members for advice on some issues.

Other Influences on Congress Every president tries to influence Congress to pass particular bills. Presidents can influence lawmakers by supporting or opposing their legislative goals. Lawmakers are also influenced by lobbyists, the paid representatives of interest groups. Political Action Committees and “super” PACs influence lawmakers through donations.

Lobbyists and Congress What is the role of a lobbyist? What has fueled the growth of lobbying, and who hires lobbyists? Do you think it is acceptable for elected officials to accept gifts and favors from lobbyists? Why or why not? Contrast the perspectives of members of Congress and of Craig Holman about lobbying by close relatives of members.

Which of the following can influence the way members of Congress cast their votes?  A.citizens of their state or district  B.leaders of their party  C.the temperament of the lawmaker  D.special-interest groups

On what type of issue do lawmakers tend to rely on their own beliefs to cast their votes?  A.an issue that has little direct effect on their constituents  B.a controversial issue  C.an issue on which their party holds a strong position  D.an issue on which the president holds a strong position

According to a national opinion survey, how do constituents expect their lawmakers to vote?  A.according to the lawmaker's own conscience  B.putting national needs ahead of the needs of their district  C.according to the wishes of key campaign contributers  D.according to what their constituents want

Why do members of Congress make frequent trips to their home state or district?  A.to meet residency requirements for elected representatives  B.to take breaks from their exhausting job in Washington  C.to make sure their laws are being carried out  D.to keep in touch with their constituents' opinions

Why do members of Congress tend to vote with their party?  A.They have taken a pledge to do so.  B.Their own political outlook always matches the party position.  C.They must vote with the party at least 80 percent of the time to remain in the party.  D.Party leaders pressure them to support the party's position.

How does the president influence Congress?  A.by influencing public opinion through speeches and television appearances  B.by contributing money to congressional campaigns  C.by appropriating funds for members' home districts  D.by participating in congressional committee meetings on key issues

What is lobbying?  A.a campaign to get out the vote for a party's candidate  B.an effort to raise campaign funds  C.an effort to spread disinformation about an opponent  D.an effort to persuade officials to support a point of view

Who do lobbyists work for?  A.interest groups  B.political parties  C.the government  D.polling firms

What are PACs?  A.party campaign organizations  B.political fund-raising organizations  C.legislative support agencies  D.policy research organizations

Which of the following is true about super PACs?  A.There is no limit on the sources of funds they can raise.  B.They can advertise in support of a specific candidate.  C.They can contribute funds to a particular party.  D.They can run advertising that opposes a specific candidate.

Take your issue to the next level! Make your voice heard!

Take your issue to the next level Write a letter to one of the following people: The Honorable Kyrsten Sinema The Honorable Martha McSally The Honorable Ann Kirkpatrick Due April 11

Letter Format Block style paragraphs Paragraph 1 Paragraph 2 Times New Roman or Arial 12pt Paragraph 1 Explain why you are writing Paragraph 2 Support your opinion Paragraph 3 Add personal details Paragraph 4 Thank your senator/representative for their time

What do you think will be the easiest part about writing your letter? Reflection What do you think will be the easiest part about writing your letter? What part will be more difficult to write?