Role of Congress

• Congress works for the people….– But who exactly are

those people?

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?

Tallest Point in Washington, D.C

Abe Lincoln’s Inaugural Address

Old Senate Room

New Senate Room

The Rotunda

Who are our Senators?

• 2 Senators

– Republican Rob Portman

– Democrat Sherrod Brown

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….

Before he was POTUS….

Before he was POTUS…

Before He was POTUS…

Who wants to become POTUS…