1. Role of Congress Congress works for the people…. –But who exactly are those people?

2. In Congress We Trust… Congress –Legislative branch of the federal government –Considered the most important branch of the government by the Founding Fathers. How do we know?

4. Tallest Point in Washington, D.C

5. Abe Lincoln’s Inaugural Address

9. Old Senate Room

10. New Senate Room

11. The Rotunda

14. Who are our Senators? 2 Senators –Republican Rob Portman –Democrat Sherrod Brown

15. Who is our Congressman/woman? Representative Betty Sutton –Represents the 13 th district of Ohio –Democrat

16. Congress has 3 key roles 1.Make laws 2.Oversee the performance of government agencies 3.Provide services to the people they represent What influences politicians the most?

17. What influences a Congressman? 1.Personal beliefs 2.Constituent’s beliefs 3.Interest groups 4.Political party loyalty

18. Personal Beliefs Studies show that members of Congress are strongly influenced by their own personal beliefs –Follow their instinct to do what is best for our country. Should they be doing this? –Example: 1990 82% of Americans wanted to ban flag burning –Congress voted down an amendment three times!

19. Constituent’s Interests Constituent –Residents of Congressman’s district or state –Politicians want to serve those who voted them in. Should focus on local issues! –Question: Should local issues override national issues? Ohio issue = public education US issue = national health care

20. Interest’s Groups Interest groups –People acting together to achieve shared political goals Why are they good? –Provide information on issues –Suggest laws to Congressman to benefit their interests

21. Negative Impact of Interest Groups They tend to have a lot of money! –Can donate money to Congressman to help them run for re-election. Done thru political action committees –Separate branch of interest groups formed for purpose of raising money for Congressman who help their cause.

22. Political Party Loyalty Party loyalty affects how members of Congress vote! –Republicans vote for Republicans! –Democrats vote for Democrats! –Goal = try to steal enough votes to get laws passed!

23. Why do political parties play such a major role? Strong party leadership! –Keeps everyone in line! People of same party have shared beliefs and values. People of same party want to eventually run for higher office! –Just a few examples….

24. Before he was POTUS….

25. Before he was POTUS…

26. Before He was POTUS…

27. Who wants to become POTUS…