Members of Congress Legislator - Makes laws Committee Member - Screens bills - Oversees the executive branch’s enforcement of laws Constituent Representative - Represents/ votes as “folks back home” want Politician - Keeps in touch with party leaders and constituents back home Constituent Servant - Does favors for citizens

The Senate Size 100 senators representing 50 states

Senate Election picked by voters in each regular November elections Continuous Body-Only 1 senator is elected from a state in any given election Elected at-large

Senate Term 6-yr. terms may be elected to any number of terms ex: Strom Thurmond- served 50 years

Senator Qualifications Must be at least 30 yrs. of age Must be least 9 years Must be from the state you want to represent

Senate Officers Presiding Officers President of the Senate President Pro Tempore (Vice President of U.S.) (Leading member of majority party) Party Officers Majority Floor Leader Minority Floor Leader Majority Whip Minority Whip

Seniority Rule In committees- the most important posts, will be held by those party members with the longest records of service in Congress

Privileges & Pay Congress Salary- $158,000 a year Speaker Of The House- $192,600 Majority/Minority Floor Leaders-$171,900 Fringe Benefits Special tax deduction because of 2 residences Generous travel allowances Pay small amounts for life/health insurance Retire with $150,000 Special offices Franking privilege- mail letters postage free