Members of Congress

These are the people that are representing us in our government.

Congress is responsible to who?

Congress is responsible to who?

Us – The Voters

If you could choose a person to represent you, what would this person be like?

Age: Background: Issues: Religion: Education/training:

A Typical Congressman/woman

White male Late 50’s – 60’s Married with children Christian – 60% Protestant Lawyer – 50% Upper middle-class

Do you think this description can truly represent the interests of the people?

Functions of a Legislator

Make laws Represent us – the voters Serve on Congressional Committees

Oversight function: checks on executive branch to make sure they are acting in line with the law

Serve us – the voters Politicians

How does a member of Congress act as a Trustee?

Each question they face must be decided on based on its merits (value)

Independent judgment Vote as they see: not what we the

voter want

How does a member of Congress act as a Delegate?

Agent or representative of the voter Vote the way we want him/her to vote Suppress own views, ignore party

leader’s views

How does a member of Congress act as a Partisan?

Represent their Political Party Feel duty bound to vote in line with

the party platform Follow the Political Party leader’s

wishes

How does a member of Congress act as a Politico?

Tries to combine the basic parts of Trustee, Delegate, Partisan

Balance the conflicting factors

Who decides what a Congressman/woman is paid?

They set their own pay – nice huh?

$174,000 / year

Majority Leader - $193,400 Minority Leader - $193,400

Speaker of the House - $223,500

Retirement and Health Care benefits

Other Benefits

Franking Privilege: mail letters and other materials postage-free

Tax deduction for 2 homes D.C. and home state

Travel allowance offset cost of traveling between both houses

Allowances for 2 offices with staff