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The Qualities of a Member of Congress
Overview
In this lesson, students consider the job duties of a Member of Congress and generate a list of qualities they think a Member of Congress should have. Students then create an informational brochure for someone who is considering running for office.
Grade Levels
9 – 12
Objectives
Students will:
- describe the job of a Member of Congress;
- list some qualities they think a Member of Congress should have; and
- explain what a freshman Member of Congress can do to have a successful first term.
Estimated Time
1 day
Materials Needed
- E-Learning Module: The Many Roles of a Member of Congress
- Internet connection with Macromedia FLASH ® enabled
- Projection device
- Chalkboard and a piece of chalk or a whiteboard and marker
Procedure
- Use a projection device to show students "What Does a Member of Congress Do Anyway?" and "A Day in the Life" from The Many Roles of a Member of Congress E-learning module. Discuss the many roles of a Member of Congress. Have students explain which roles they think are the most important.
- Ask students to consider the job duties of a Member of Congress and generate a list of qualities they think a Member of Congress should have. Write this list on the chalkboard or whiteboard.
- Tell each student to imagine that he or she is a freshman Member of Congress. Have them think about what they can do to have a successful first year.
- Use a projection device to show students "If You Were a Freshman Member of Congress" from The Many Roles of a Member of Congress E-learning module. At the end of the module have students explain why they were or were not re-elected. Then talk about the many trade-offs representatives have to make. For example, when Members of Congress spend time helping constituents, they often have to give up time with their families.
- For homework, have each student create an informational brochure for someone who is considering running for Congress. This brochure should list the requirements for being a U.S. Senator and U.S. Representative, briefly describe some of the duties of a Member of Congress; list some qualities a Member of Congress should have and explain why these qualities are important; and explain what a freshman Member of Congress can do to have a successful first term.
Extension Activities
Invite a county election official to visit the class. Ask him or her to explain what a person has to do if he or she wants to run for Congressional office.
If it is an election year, have students conduct research about the Congressional candidates. Have students decide which candidates have the qualities needed to be a successful legislator.
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.
- Describe the job of a Member of Congress.
- List at least three qualities you think a Member of Congress should have and explain why these qualities are important.
- Explain what a freshman Member of Congress can do to have a successful first term.
Scoring Guide for Informational Brochure
| Elements | Possible Score | Assigned Score | Notes |
| Correct spelling | 5 | ||
| Correct grammar (sentence structure, punctuation) | 5 | ||
| Lists the requirements for being a U.S. Senator and U.S. Representative | 15 | ||
| Describes the duties of a Member of Congress | 25 | ||
| Lists qualities a Member of Congress should have and explains why these qualities are important | 25 | Explains what a freshman Member of Congress can do to have a successful first term | 25 |
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!