1. Representing the People
Unit 3

2. Opener 1-13-17 Copy the definitions:
lobbyists–people hired by private groups to influence government decision makers
casework– work they do for people from their home district or state who request help in dealing with the federal government.

3. Requirements and Benefits of Congress
Both senators and members of the House must live in the state they represent.
House members usually live in their districts, but are not required to do so.
Senators must be at least 30 years old; House members, 25.
Senators must have been citizens
for at least nine years; House
members, seven years.

4. Requirements and Benefits of Congress (cont.)
Most members of Congress have college degrees.
Nearly half are lawyers.
Members receive a salary of $162,500, free office space, and trips to their home states.
They have the franking privilege–
they may send job-related mail
for free.

5. Requirements and Benefits of Congress (cont.)
The Constitution grants senators and representatives immunity, or legal protection, in some situations.
They may not break the law, though.

6. Congressional Staff: Behind-the-Scenes Helpers
The personal staff run the offices.
They gather information on issues, arrange meetings, and write speeches.
They handle requests from voters.
They deal with reporters and lobbyists–people hired by private groups to influence government decision makers.
The staff works for the member’s reelection on their own time.
3:49-4:00, 7:35

7. Congressional Staff: Behind-the-Scenes Helpers (cont.)
Members of Congress hire students from their home states or districts to serve as interns and pages.
Interns help with research and office duties.
Pages deliver messages and run errands.
Committee staffs generally have expert knowledge about special topics, such as taxes or defense.

8. Congressional Staff: Behind-the-Scenes Helpers (cont.)
The Library of Congress provides information for members of Congress and their staffs.
The Library’s Congressional Research Service looks up facts and spells out arguments for and against bills.
The General Accounting Office reviews spending activities of federal agencies, studies programs, and recommends ways to spend taxpayers’ dollars wisely.

9. Congressional Staff: Behind-the-Scenes Helpers (cont.)
The Congressional Budget Office provides information and analyses to help Congress create a budget.
It estimates costs and economic effects of programs.

10. Members of Congress at Work
Congressional sessions begin each January 3.
In representing the people who elected them, members of Congress carry out three major jobs.
Congress members make laws.
They introduce bills, work on committees, listen to input for and against bills, and then vote.

11. Members of Congress at Work (cont.)
Congress members do casework–they troubleshoot for people from their home district or state who request help in dealing with the federal government.
Congress members protect the interests of their state or district.
For example, a senator from a state with strong timber industries might seek to influence logging policies.

12. Members of Congress at Work (cont.)
Members also work to gain a share of national government spending for their constituents.
A government contract can bring a lot of money to local businesses and jobs for local people.
Government projects and grants that primarily benefit the home district or state are called pork-barrel projects.

13. Exit Slip
What is suggested as the motivation for members of Congress to do or be a part of things. List all 3
Do you think this should be the motivation?If so Why? If not how do you fix it?

14. Groupwork: Congressman Thomas Massie
Working with one other person read the provided information in the handout titled “Congressman Thomas Massie.”
Complete the reflection questions and be prepared to share your answers with the class.

15. Exit Slip: 1/12/17
Read the “Issues to Debate” section on page 156 of your textbook: “Should There Be Term Limits for Members of Congress?”
Address the following questions using complete sentences:
Why does Rep. Coburn favor term limits?
Why does Rep. Lieberman oppose term limits?
List additional arguments in favor of each point of view.
Decide which viewpoint you support and make an argument to explain your reasoning (use specific examples).