1. The Question Members of Congress are elected to the Senate or the House of Representatives. Congress meets in the Capitol building. Is it more important to be a member of the House of Representatives or the Senate? To answer this question, you must compare the requirements and jobs of both parts of our Congress. These materials are © 2004 NAME, SCHOOL, all rights reserved. 6 Next 12345

2. Information Sources These materials are © 2004 NAME, SCHOOL, all rights reserved. 6 Next House of Representatives Senate Legislative Branch video 1 Legislative Branch video 2 Legislative Branch review video You will be using the following sites to gather data to help you answer this question.

3. The Student Activity These materials are © 2004 NAME, SCHOOL, all rights reserved. 6 Next It is your job to fill in the grid comparing the Senate and the House of Representatives. Once you have completed the grid, then you may make your decision. Click on the word “table” to see an example of the grid.table

4. The Assessment Activity Now that you have completed the grid on the requirements and jobs of the Congress, write a paragraph stating whether or not you think that the Senate or the House of Representatives is more important. Make sure to base your opinion on the data you found and include your explanation of why you feel the way you do. Remember, this is just an opinion but your arguments must be based on the facts. These materials are © 2004 NAME, SCHOOL, all rights reserved. 6 Next 12345

5. Enrichment Activities The following site has Quick Facts about Your State and you can learn about Iowa’s representatives. Ben’s Guide Official Iowa Site These materials are © 2004 NAME, SCHOOL, all rights reserved. 6 Next 12345

6. Teacher Support Materials This lesson meets the social studies standard of: Understands political systems and the rights and responsibilities of citizens. It also meets the Technology standards: 1a. The learner will access information efficiently and effectively from a variety of sources. 1b. The learner will evaluate information critically and competently. 1c. The learner will use information accurately and creatively. 1d. The learner will use technology research tools to locate, collect and process information; and report data. 3e. The learner will use technology resources to develop problem- solving and decision-making strategies that are applicable in the real world. It also meets the Iowa Teaching Standards and Criteria of 2c, 2d, 3c, 3e, 4a, 4b, 4c,4f, 6c, and 7a. These materials are © 2004 NAME, SCHOOL, all rights reserved