CH 10 SEC 4 The Members of Congress

CH 10, SEC 4 The Members of Congress

SENATORS/REPS FROM MISSOURI Can you name your two senators? Your representative? Claire Mc. Caskill (D) and Roy Blunt (R) Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer (R) 3 rd Congressional District

WHAT ROLES AND FUNCTIONS DO MEMBERS OF CONGRESS PERFORM? 1. Job Typically white male, late 50 s Backgrou nd Typically married, college degree, born in represented State MEMBERS OF CONGRES S 2. Compensation

1. THE JOB 5 Major Roles 1. Legislators 2. Representatives of their Constituents 3. Committee members 4. Servants of their Constituents 5. Politicians

REPRESENTATIVES OF THE PEOPLE Each Lawmaker has FOUR voting options: DELEGATE See themselves as the agents of the people who elected them. TRUSTEE Believe each question should be decided on its merits; Call issues as they see them regardless of majority view. PARTISAN Allegiance to their political party; Cast votes in line of party. POLITICO Combine the elements of the delegate, trustee, and partisan roles.

COMMITTEE MEMBERS Proposed Laws (Bills) are referred to committees in each chamber. Committee members decide which measures will go on to floor consideration. Considered and acted upon by full membership of the House or Senate. Congress enacts laws and appropriates the $$$ to implement them. Oversight function Process by which Congress, through its committees, checks to see that the executive branch agencies are carrying out the policies of Congress.

SERVANTS OF THE PEOPLE Members of both the House and the Senate act as servants of their constituents. Failing to respond to the requests of their constituents would mean they could lose votes in the next election.

Head of the Senate 2. COMPENSATION Salary Both paid $174, 000/year Speaker of the House $223, 500 Vice President $230, 700 Senate’s President Pro Temp and floor leaders $193, 400 Receive “Fringe Benefits” Special Tax Deductions ie 2 Homes Travel allowances Generous Retirement Plan Office in D. C. and home state Funds to hire staff Franking Privilege Can send mail for FREE Head of the House of Representatives