Members of Congress These are the people that are representing us in our government.

Congress is responsible to who?

 Us – The Voters

 If you could choose a person to represent you, what would this person be like? Age: Background: Issues: Religion: Education/training:

A Typical Congressman/woman  White male  Late 50 ’ s – 60’s  Married with children  Christian – 60% Protestant  Lawyer – 50%  Upper middle-class  Do you think this description can truly represent the interests of the people?

Functions of a Legislator  Make laws  Represent us – the voters  Serve on Congressional Committees Oversight function: checks on executive branch to make sure they are acting in line with the law  Serve us – the voters  Politicians

How does a member of Congress act as a Trustee?  Each question they face must be decided on based on its merits (value)  Independent judgment  Vote as they see: not what we the voter want

How does a member of Congress act as a Delegate?  Agent or representative of the voter  Vote the way we want him/her to vote  Suppress own views, ignore party leader ’ s views

How does a member of Congress act as a Partisan?  Represent their Political Party  Feel duty bound to vote in line with the party platform  Follow the Political Party leader ’ s wishes

How does a member of Congress act as a Politico?  Tries to combine the basic parts of Trustee, Delegate, Partisan  Balance the conflicting factors

Who decides what a Congressman/woman is paid?

They set their own pay – nice huh?  $174,000 / year  Majority Leader - $193,400 Minority Leader - $193,400  Speaker of the House - $223,500  Retirement and Health Care benefits

Other Benefits  Franking Privilege: mail letters and other materials postage-free  Tax deduction for 2 homes  D.C. and home state  Travel allowance offset cost of traveling between both houses  Allowances for 2 offices with staff