2. DO NOW- What does it mean to
“represent” one‟s constituents?
Pretend you‟re in Tim Wahlberg‟s position- A
Republican Representative for Michigan‟s 7th
district. Obama decides he wants to declare war
on Switzerland, and you think it‟s a bad idea. But
your district disagrees! They want you to declare
war! The vote is today. Do you vote as a voice
for your constituents, and agree to the war? Or
do you vote with your conscience and vote
against the war?
Take 4 minutes- jot down some thoughts.
3. Congressional Functions
Previously On… (Last week): Lawmaking
Money for their constituents- pork
Today: Representation!
You must please your constituents if you want to
stay in office! So every issue, every vote- must be
considered from your constituents‟ perspective.
What if… you disagree?
Tensions: Interests of “home” and national interest
How can Congress work together?
4. Representation- A DILEMMA!
Trustee vs. Delegate- Edmund Burke (English
philosopher)
Votes in parliament- decided by his knowledge and
experience, allowing him to serve the public interest.
Not all opinions are of equal value. Constituents should
get votes based on education (working class would get
fewest amt of votes)
TRUSTEE- Act in favor of common good, trust in
your representative (even if it goes against interests
of constituencies)
Solves problem of uninformed constituents with little
knowledge
5. Some (not-fun) facts
Typical Congressman- white
Protestant male, 60 y.o.,
wealthy, lawyer
Minorities/women
underrepresented
10. Speaker of the House
Rep. John
Boehner
Republican, Ohio
Selected by the
majority party
2nd in line of
presidential
succession
11. House Majority Leader
Rep. Eric Cantor
Republican,
Virginia
Selected by the majority
party
Acts as spokesperson
for majority party
Organizes party, keeps
them together
12. House Minority Leader
Rep. Nancy
Pelosi
Democrat,
California
Main job– keep the
party TOGETHER!
Maintain cohesion.
Former Speaker of the
House – first ever
female speaker
13. President of the Senate
Vice President
Joe Biden
Democrat, Delaware
Cannot take part in Senate
debate
Can cast tie-breaking vote
Rarely attends Senate
hearings
14. Senate Majority Leader
Senator Harry
Reid
Democrat,
Nevada
Most powerful person in
the Senate
Directs legislative
strategy
15. Senate Minority Leader
Senator Mitch
McConnell
Republican, Kentucky
The minority leader‟s
main role is to
command the
minority‟s opposition
to the policies of the
majority
16. President Pro Tempore
Senator Daniel Inouye
Democrat, Hawaii
Elected by the whole Senate
Presides over the Senate in the
absence of the VP
Highest ranking Asian-
American politician in American
history
Most senior Senator („63)
Has repped Hawaii since
statehood, was a volunteer at
Pearl Harbor
17. Michigan‟s Senators
Carl Levin, Democrat Debbie Stabenow,
Chairman, Senate Armed Democrat
Services Committee
Senate Energy, Agricultural
Senior senator (7th longest8 Cmt
sli serving)
Junior senator
18. Next On…
Homework due- Tomorrow!
Tuesday: Filibuster Video
Wednesday: Quiz
Key issues- constituent monitors votes. For all other matters- trust the repBalancing act. Big issues- abortion, etc. Most people think their congressmen DON”T represent them. But constituents don’t always agree!
Can you really represent us if you’re in the 1% does it matter? What do you make of these? Can you represent me or know what my life is about?
Do you have to be of a similar background to represent? Is it okay that men uniformly represent men/women? Whites represent all of the other races?
http://jeopardylabs.com/play/chapter-12-congress “Barack’s Andean pack animals.” What are“Obama’s llamas.”Herbert’s Military Operations- What are Hoover’s ManeuversGeorge W.’s Rumps= What are "Bush's tushes."Ambrose Bierce described this as 'a temporary insanity curable by marriage.' "What is love?
part of what they do is try to come up with consensus views
Took 7 years to graduate because he paid his way through- took many jobs. Interesting relationship with Gingrich- tried to have a coup in 98Speaker- leader of the House republicans- but does not debate/voteHard core conservativeOutranks Majority leaderSets the calendar, tries to make sure his party’s bills are passed.
Only Jewish Republican currently in Congress (highest ranking Jewish member of Congress in its history)“Rising Star”Plans agendas
First Roman Catholic VP. Secret service name CelticMeant to eliminate some explicit roles assumed by Cheney- who was very popularSaid he would provide advice in every bama decision instead of being like other VPs. Tends to get support from republicans and counsel.
Chief rep of his party in the senate
Switch to mitchOne of the strongest Iraq supportersAgriculture, appropriations2nd wife- first Asian American woman to serve in the Cabinet- former Sec of Labor under George W. millionare
2nd highest ranking official in the senate. Presides over the senate sessions when the VP is gone (is in line for presidency after VP, Speaker)Mandated by Article 1, Sec 3- kinda equal to speaker of the house. Lost an arm in WWII- Italy