1. Warm Up
Write down the three standards that are most important to you for a successful Congress. Briefly explain your choices
Works well with the President
Passes many laws intended to solve national problems
Represents a wide variety of opinions
Has many experienced members
Gets a high percentage of its members re-elected
Closely reflects popular opinion
Compromises to get things done

2. Monday, October 26, 2015
Objective: Students will be able to explain the basic roles of Congress.
Materials needed: pen/pencil, notebook, 1 piece of paper for short assignment at the end of class

3. Congress: The Job
Congress has a split personality. On the one hand, it is a lawmaking institution and makes policy for the entire nation. In this capacity, all the members are expected to set aside their personal ambitions and perhaps even the concerns of their constituencies. Yet Congress is also a representative assembly, made up of 535 elected officials who serve as links between their constituents and the National Government. The dual roles of making laws and responding to constituents’ demands forces members to balance national concerns against the specific interests of their States or districts.
—James M. Burns, et al., Government by the People

4. Roles of People in Congress
Legislator: Study and draft proposed legislation
Represent their constituents
Serve on specialized committees
Balance the interests between what their party wants and what their constituents want
All of these roles must be performed in order to win reelection
Why are the legislative and agent of constituent roles the most important?

5. Why are these options important in determining the outcome of a vote?

6. Personal and Political Background of Congress
To what extent should the composition of Congress reflect that of the general population? Why?

7. Personal and Political Background of Congress
Many members of Congress are millionaires
Most members have a lot of experience in government
Congress is made up of upper-middle-class Americans, who are, for the most part, quite able and hardworking people

8. Terms and Sessions of Congress
Each term lasts for 2 years
Session: period of time each year during which Congress assembles and conducts business
How does the Senate arrangement differ from the House?

9. Congressional Pay and Benefits
Members of Congress are required by the Constitution to set their own salaries
Senators and representatives are paid $174,000 per year
Members in Congress also enjoy additional benefits
Examples: healthcare, tax deductions for have 2 places of residence in 2 different states

10. Why serve in Congress?
To bring about changes they care about and to help their communities
Members are well respected
Prestige/attention
Use as a launching pad for higher political office

11. Synthesis: How should representatives vote?
What factors do you think are most important for members of Congress to consider when casting their votes? Explain the importance of each factor. Your paragraph needs to be at least ½ page in length.