ASSIGNMENT | Demographics and Congress

The United States Congress is divided into two parts (bicameral): the House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate. Whereas the U.S. Senate is comprised of two senators per state, the House of Representatives divides 435 representatives among each state, according to U.S. Census data. By constitutional law each state has at least one congressional representative. That said, many populous states have over twenty congressional representatives. California has over fifty congressional representatives!

A congressional representative serves two year terms. A representative proposes bills, amendments, and resolutions, and serves on a myriad of congressional committees. Yet, in contrast to a U.S. senator, your congressional representative serves a distinct, geographical area – his or her congressional district. Thus, they are charged with representing the political will of the citizens in their district.

Using the House of Representatives official website (www.house.gov) investigate your district’s member of Congress. If you do not know your congressional representative, enter in your zip code to locate your congressional district and representative. Then, access your congressional representative’s individual website. Examine your congressional representative\’s legislative policies (proposed bills and voting record) and constituent services (how the office of your representative helps the citizens in their district).

Directions: Write a letter to your congressional representative regarding a specific piece of legislative policy or constituent service. Articulate, in detail, how a specific piece of legislation or constituent service aligns with your individual, political views. Post your completed letter as your main post.

SAMPLE SOLUTION

Demographics and Congress

Dear Congressman Brad Wenstrup,             To begin with, I must commend you for introducing the Family First Prevention Services Act of 2019 before the floor of the House (Congress.gov, 2019). As I understood it, the legislation policy compels the federal government to provide states with the needed resources to offer services and formulate programs that would ensure children remain at home rather than in foster care. Your concern for children is commendable. I was also glad that the legislation policy, having been signed into law, would ensure that families are kept together, while the states find lasting solutions to…