How Representative is Congress?

Overview

In this lesson students will examine the demographics of the United States and compare these demographics to the make-up of Congress. Students will consider the value of having different backgrounds, genders, and races among Members of Congress. They will then informally debate whether Congress is sufficiently representative.

Grade Levels

9 – 12

Objectives

Students will:

• compare the demographics of the United States to the make-up of Congress;
• describe the value of having different backgrounds, genders, and races among Members of Congress; and
• explain why they think Congress is or is not sufficiently representative.

Estimated Time

2 days

Materials Needed

• E-Learning Module: Minority Civic Participation
• Internet connection with Macromedia FLASH ® enabled
• Projection device

Procedure

Day 1

1. Use a projection device to show students the "Minority Voices (Video 1)" video from the Minority Civic Participation e-learning module. Use the following questions to facilitate discussion:
• What is the Congressional Black Caucus?
• According to Janet Murguia, "it is important that our governing bodies represent America and look more like America." Do you agree? Why?
• Why is it important for minorities to become involved?
2. Divide the class into small groups. Have each group visit the U.S. Census Web site at: http://www.census.gov/ and examine the demographics of the United States [e.g.: gender, race, professional and educational backgrounds].
3. Have students visit the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate Web sites and examine the make-up of Congress.
4. Ask students to create a chart or graph that compares the demographics of the United States with the make-up of Congress.

Day 2

1. Allow students time to finish their graphs. Then invite each group to share their graphs. Lead students in a discussion about the value of having different backgrounds, genders, and races among Members of Congress.
2. Have students informally debate whether the Congress is sufficiently representative. During the debate, students should discuss the value of having different backgrounds, genders, and races among Members of Congress.

Extension Activities

Have students choose one minority Member of Congress and learn more about him or her. Ask students to write a brief biography about the Member of Congress.

Assessment

Basic Concepts and Processes

Ask your students to respond to the following requests for information and assess their knowledge of key concepts taught in this lesson.

1. Describe, in percentages, how many African Americans, Latinos, Native Americans, and Asians live in the United States. How does this compare to the number of African Americans, Latinos, Native Americans, and Asians that are in Congress?
2. What is the value of having different backgrounds, genders, and races among Members of Congress?
3. Do you think Congress is sufficiently representative? Why or why not?

Lesson Plan Feedback

If you have suggestions for improving this lesson plan, or if you have ideas for others using the module, please let us know. We value your input. Thank you!

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