1. Members of Congress

2. Members of Congress
Congress is made up of people from a variety of different backgrounds, but is not yet considered a representative cross section of American society
On average, members of Congress are white men in their early 50’s
Of the six representative in Nevada, 4 are white males, 1 black male, 1 white women

3. Most Common Traits Among Congress
Married w/Children (2)
Religious Affiliation
Protestant
Catholic
Many are lawyers
Most went to college
Advanced degrees
Born in the state that they represent
Political experience
Average Senator is serving their 2nd term
Typical Rep. has served 4 terms
Most are upper middle class Americans

4. Roles of Congressman
Senators and Representatives play five different roles
Legislators
Representatives to their Constituents
Committee Members
Servants of their Constituents
Politicians

5. Compensation
Being a member of Congress is a job, and like other jobs, you get paid (or compensated) for your work
The Constitution says that members of Congress may set their own pay
On average, most Reps and Senators make about $162,000 per year
In addition, Congressional members may also receive nonsalary compensation
Travel allowances, special tax deductions, cheap life &
health insurance, retirement plan, offices, money for
staff, franking privilege, free printing, etc.

6. Compensation
Although Congress may set its own salary, there are limits. Limits include…
Presidents veto power
Potential voter backlash
Members of Congress also receive other benefits
One such benefit is legislative immunity which protects them from lawsuits for libel and slander
This is a Constitutional provision; the Framers believed that freedom of speech was a vital part of legislative debate
This protection applies whether debating on the floor, working in committee, or anything done in relation to Congressional business