Members of Congress

1. Members of Congress

2. I) Members of Congress • A) Are not a true representation of the American Population

3. House Senate US Pop.

4. I) Members of Congress • A) Are not a true representation of the American Population • 1) nearly all members are married

5. I) Members of Congress • A) Are not a true representation of the American Population • 1) nearly all members are married • 2) Avg. of 2 kids • 3) 60% Protestant, 25% Roman Catholic, 8% Jewish

6. I) Members of Congress • A) Are not a true representation of the American Population • 1) nearly all members are married • 2) Avg. of 2 kids • 3) 60% Protestant, 25% Roman Catholic, 8% Jewish • Over ½ are lawyers

7. II) Duties of the Job • A) legislators-make laws

8. II) Duties of the Job • A) legislators-make laws • B) Committee members-determine what goes to the floor

9. II) Duties of the Job • A) legislators-make laws • B) Committee members-determine what goes to the floor • C) Representatives of their constituents

10. II) Duties of the Job • A) legislators-make laws • B) Committee members-determine what goes to the floor • C) Representatives of their constituents • D) Servants of their constituents

11. II) Duties of the Job • A) legislators-make laws • B) Committee members-determine what goes to the floor • C) Representatives of their constituents • D) Servants of their constituents • E) Politicians

12. III) Four Voting Options • A) Trustee-call issues as they see them, regardless of constituents

13. III) Four Voting Options • A) Trustee-call issues as they see them, regardless of constituents • B) Delegate-agent of those who elected them

14. III) Four Voting Options • A) Trustee-call issues as they see them, regardless of constituents • B) Delegate-agent of those who elected them • C) Partisan-1st allegiance is to the party

15. III) Four Voting Options • A) Trustee-call issues as they see them, regardless of constituents • B) Delegate-agent of those who elected them • C) Partisan-1st allegiance is to the party • D) Politicos-combination of all 3

16. IV) Membership Privileges • A) Cannot be arrested during attendance of, going to, and returning from session

17. IV) Membership Privileges • A) Cannot be arrested during attendance of, going to, and returning from session • B) Speech is Protected

18. IV) Membership Privileges • A) Cannot be arrested during attendance of, going to, and returning from session • B) Speech is Protected • 1) free from suits of libel or slander

19. IV) Membership Privileges • C) Compensation, Constitution gives them the power to set their own pay

20. IV) Membership Privileges • C) Compensation, Constitution gives them the power to set their own pay • 1) Congress receive $174,000 per year

21. IV) Membership Privileges • C) Compensation, Constitution gives them the power to set their own pay • 1) Congress receive $174,000 per year • a. Senate pro tempore, and minority/majority leader receive $193,000, and Speaker of the House receives about $223,000

22. IV) Membership Privileges • 3) Non-salary compensation

23. IV) Membership Privileges • 3) Non-salary compensation • a. tax deduction to keep two residences

24. IV) Membership Privileges • 3) Non-salary compensation • a. tax deduction to keep two residences • b. travel allowances

25. IV) Membership Privileges • 3) Non-salary compensation • a. tax deduction to keep two residences • b. travel allowances • c. lowered medical costs

26. IV) Membership Privileges • 3) Non-salary compensation • a. tax deduction to keep two residences • b. travel allowances • c. lowered medical costs • d. pension plan

27. IV) Membership Privileges • 3) Non-salary compensation • a. tax deduction to keep two residences • b. travel allowances • c. lowered medical costs • d. pension plan • e. two offices

28. V) Discussion • 1. How does the make-up of congress compare to the general population?

29. V) Discussion • 1. How does the make-up of congress compare to the general population? • 2) What would be the advantages/disadvantages of this?

30. V) Discussion • 1. How does the make-up of congress compare to the general population? • 2) What would be the advantages/disadvantages of this?

31. V) Discussion • 3) 100 years ago, the average length of service in Congress was only 4 years, today incumbency rates are as high as 90% making for a career in politics. • 1. Should their be term limits? • 2. What are the advantages/disadvantages of continued service? • 3. Would you make any changes?explain.