Free Write: What was the founders’ vision for Congress? Identify 2-3 goals they had in mind when composing Article I.
Why has our “first branch” of Government gone so astray? What evidence was presented in the “House Whip” article?
Will Congress retain its legitimacy among voters?
You can lead a man to Congress, but you can’t make him think. -Milton Berle
The only difference between death and taxes is that death doesn’t get worse every time Congress meets. -Will Rogers
I don’t mind what Congress does, as long as they don’t do it in the streets and frighten the horses. -Victor Hugo
I have wondered at times what the Ten Commandments would have looked like if Moses had run them through the US Congress. -Ronald Reagan
Congress is so strange. A man gets up to speak and says nothing. Nobody listens – and then everybody disagrees. -Boris Marshalov
In my many years I have come to a conclusion that one useless man is a shame, two is a law firm, and three or more is a congress. -John Adams
Congress’ Image Problem
They say that women talk too much. If you have worked in Congress, you know that the filibuster was invented by men. -Clare Boothe Luce
Ancient Rome declined because it had a Senate; now what’s going to happen to us with both a Senate and a House?” -Will Rogers
“Assume you are a fool. Now assume you are a member of Congress…. but I repeat myself.” - Mark Twain
Congress’ Image Problem
Congress’ Image Problem
The most current approval rating according to Gallup Poll is 10%
(It was 19% before the shutdown.)
http://www.cnn.com/interactive/2013/09/politics/government-shutdown-impact/index.html?iid=article_sidebar
http://www.today.com/video/today/52562363
According to Article I of the Constitution, what is the primary function of Congress?
“All legislative powers herein granted shall be vested in a Congress of the United States, which
shall consist of a Senate and House of Representatives.”
What other duties do members of Congress have?
Re1. Represent and serve their constituents 2. Serve on Congressional Committees3. Politicians working with their party to promote their platform4. Run for office (Members of the House of Representatives run every 2 years!)Why are these duties sometimes
in conflict with each other?
Should a Senator vote to subsidize (give $$ to support) the production of tobacco, the biggest cash crop in
his/her state, despite the tremendous health costs it imposes
on Americans?
What would you do?
Think-Pair-Share
113th Congressional MembershipBicameral: Two Houses (Great Compromise)
HouseNumber of Members– Total 435
– Female 81
– Male 351
– Democrats 200
– Republicans 232
(3 vacant seats)
SenateNumber of Members– Total 100
– Female 20
– Male 80
– Democrats 53
– Republicans 45
– Independents 2
What are the differences between the House and Senate?
113th Congressional MembershipBicameral: Two Houses (Great Compromise)
HouseEthnicity – 41 African American
– 32 Hispanic/Latino
– 10 Asian/Pacific Islander
– 2 Native Americans
SenateEthnicity– 2 African American
– 4 Hispanic/Latino
– 1 Asian/Pacific Islander
The youngest member 29-year-old Patrick Murphy (D-FL).The oldest member is 89-year-old Ralph Hall (R-TX)
A variety of occupations from lawyers, doctors, educators, farmers and accountants!
Even 2 clergy members!
Majority LeaderEric Cantor (R-VA)
Speaker of the House John Boehner (R-OH)
Minority LeaderNancy Pelosi (D-CA)
435 Members
Leadership in the House of Representatives
Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV)
Minority LeaderMitch McConnell (R-KY)
100 Members
Leadership in the Senate
President of the SenateJoe Biden (D- VP)
President Pro TemporePatrick Leahy (D-VT)
100 Members
Leadership in the Senate
Senators Represent the State
Your Members of Congress
Dick Durbin (D)Elected in 1996
Mark Kirk (R)Elected in 2010
Members of the House Represent a District
Bill Foster (D) 11th District Elected in 2012
