Congress

Fenno's Paradox

The belief that people generally disapprove the United States Congress as a whole, but support the Congressmen from their own Congressional district.

Incumbency advantage

The relative infrequency with which members of Congress are defeated in their attempts for reelection.

Seventeenth Amendment

1913 constitutional amendment allowing American voters to directly elect US senators

pork-barrel legislation

A provision in a bill that benefits a specific congressional district or state by providing federal money for projects that create jobs and benefit the local economy.

Casework

Activities of members of Congress that help constituents as individuals; such as cutting through bureaucratic red tape to help people in their dealings with a specific federal agency

Standing committee

A permanent committee that carries over from one Congress to the next, usually focusing on a specific policy area, with stable membership.

Trustee

A legislator who acts according to her or his conscience and the broad interests of the entire society.

Delegate

A legislator whose primary responsibility is to represent the majority view of his or her constituents, regardless of his or her own view.

Politico

An elected representative who acts as a trustee or as a delegate, depending on the issue

How many members are in the House of Representatives?

435

The minimum age to be eligible to run for the House of Representatives

25

How long is a Senator's term?

6 years

How long is the term of a member of the House of Representative?

2 years

What is the minimum age to be eligible to run for the Senate?

30

How were senators originally chosen?

by state legislatures