Role of Congress • Congress works for the people…. – But who exactly are those people?
Dec 22, 2015
In Congress We Trust…
• Congress– Legislative branch of
the federal government
– Considered the most important branch of the government by the Founding Fathers.
• How do we know?
Who is our Congressman/woman?
• Representative Betty Sutton
– Represents the 13th district of Ohio
– Democrat
Congress has 3 key roles
1. Make laws
2. Oversee the performance of government agencies
3. Provide services to the people they represent
• What influences politicians the most?
What influences a Congressman?
1. Personal beliefs
2. Constituent’s beliefs
3. Interest groups
4. Political party loyalty
Personal Beliefs
• Studies show that members of Congress are strongly influenced by their own personal beliefs– Follow their instinct to do what is best for our country.
• Should they be doing this?
– Example: • 1990 82% of Americans wanted to ban flag burning
– Congress voted down an amendment three times!
Constituent’s Interests
• Constituent– Residents of Congressman’s district or state
– Politicians want to serve those who voted them in. • Should focus on local issues!
– Question: Should local issues override national issues?
• Ohio issue = public education• US issue = national health care
Interest’s Groups
• Interest groups– People acting together
to achieve shared political goals
• Why are they good? – Provide information on
issues
– Suggest laws to Congressman to benefit their interests
Negative Impact of Interest Groups
• They tend to have a lot of money! – Can donate money to
Congressman to help them run for re-election.
• Done thru political action committees– Separate branch of interest
groups formed for purpose of raising money for Congressman who help their cause.
Political Party Loyalty
• Party loyalty affects how members of Congress vote!
– Republicans vote for Republicans!
– Democrats vote for Democrats!
– Goal = try to steal enough votes to get laws passed!
Why do political parties play such a major role?
• Strong party leadership! – Keeps everyone in line!
• People of same party have shared beliefs and values.
• People of same party want to eventually run for higher office! – Just a few examples….