Congress and representation

Question 1

Why is representation in Congress important?

Answer 1

• First, the constitution states that they must be residents of the state they represent, so this gives them a good understanding of what ‘the folks back home’ are saying
• Second, a number of states go further by insisting - through the ‘locality rule’ - that House members reside in the congressional district that they represent
• House members are especially careful about constituents views because they have to face the electors every two years

Question 2

How do Congress members engage with their constituents?

Answer 2

• Holding party and town hall meetings
• Conducting ‘surgeries’ with individual constituents
• Making visits around the state/district
• Appearing on local radio phone-in programmes
• Visiting local schools, hospitals and businesses

Question 3

How do members of Congress fulfil their representative function?

Answer 3

• Voting on legislation on the floor of the chamber
• Membership of standing committees of particular interest to their constituents
• Lobbying executive departments and agencies on relevant policies
• Constituency casework, helping constituents with all kinds of federal matters such as student loans

Question 4

What percentage of Congress is Hispanic? Why is this not a good representation?

Answer 4

• In the 116th Congress, 8% of Congress is Hispanic. However, 18% of the country is Hispanic.
• As Hispanics are the largest minority group in the country, this shows that Hispanics are severely underrepresented in Congress.