1. The Members of Congress
Chapter 10, Section 4
The Members of Congress

2. Personal and Political Background
535 Members (435 in House, 100 in Senate)
NOT representative of America
Average male in Congress is in his late 50s
78 women in the House and 17 in the Senate
42 African Americans
25 Hispanics
7 Asian Americans
1 Native American
Nearly all members are married
Most have backgrounds as lawyers
Most members have at least a bachelor’s degree

3. The Job Members play 5 major roles: Legislators (they make the laws)
Representatives of their constituents (vote the way people want them to vote)
Committee members
Servants of their constituents (they try to help people in various dealings with the federal bureaucracy)
Politicians (their goal is to be reelected)

4. Compensation
Senators and Representatives are paid approximately $174,000 per year (leadership positions merit more pay – Speaker of the House makes $556,500)
“Fringe benefits”:
Special tax deductions
Travel allowances
Low fees for life and health insurance (there is a doctor on Capitol Hill where they can get full medical care)
Generous retirement plan
Franking privilege – they can mail letters and other materials postage-free

5. Other Benefits
Members of Congress cannot be arrested, except in cases of treason, during their attendance at the Session
Members cannot be sued for libel or slander that arises out of their political conduct