1. Chapter 10 Section 4 Objective: To understand the general characteristics of Congress

2. A. Personal and Political Backgrounds 1. Congress is not a representative cross section of the American people. 2. The average member of Congress is a white male in his mid-50’s. 3. Most members are married, have children, and are Christians. 4. Most members are lawyers, though many have backgrounds in business, education, agriculture, journalism or professional politics.

3. B. Duties of the Job 1. Members of Congress must act as legislators, committee members, representatives/servants of their constituents, and politicians. 2. Trustees – Many members see themselves as holders of the public trust who decide issues based on merit alone, and not based on the opinions of constituents or other groups.

4. 3. Delegates – Many members see themselves as agents of those who elected them and believe they should suppress their own views in favor of those of the electorate. 4. Partisans – Many members see themselves as bound to vote on issues according to the party platform and the wishes of party leaders.

5. 5. Politicos – Many members attempt to balance the roles of trustee, delegate, and partisan. 6. Other roles – All members of congress also must act as servants of their constituents, providing the people “back home” with a wide range of services, from military appointments to helping companies obtain government contracts.

6. C. Compensation 1. Senators and Representatives currently (2004) receive salaries of $154,700 per year. 2. Non-salary compensation – Members of Congress receive a wide range of fringe benefits, from low-cost medical care to free printing and distribution of speeches, newsletters, and other materials (Franking privilege) Salary & Compensation total much more than $200k a year.

7. 3. The politics of pay – Congress set’s its own pay and benefits but it is limited by the President’s veto and voter backlash…and what else?

8. D. Membership Privileges 1. Members may not be arrested for misdemeanors while Congress is in session..why not? (Think historical origins) 2. Members are immune from court action because of any speech they may make in Congress.