American Government
Chapter 5 – Role and Powers of Congress
5-1 Role of Congress
Role of Congress
CA Standards:
12.7 Students analyze and compare the powers and procedures of the
national, state, tribal, and local governments
Objectives:
• What influences how members of Congress vote??
• What purpose do congressional investigations serve??
• Why is it important for members of Congress to serve their
constituents?
Homework
Write definition of terms under Political
Dictionary found on page 98 of textbook
Census
Apportion
Gerrymandering
Franking Privilege
Immunity
Read pages 98- 104
Holt American Government
Prepare for Open notebook Quiz
Role of Congress
Terms & Names
Constituent
Interest Group
Political Action Committee
Oversight
pages 93
Role of Congress
Main Idea
Congress has three key roles. Its main role is to legislate, or to make
laws. To decide how to vote on laws, members of Congress
consider four factors: their own personal beliefs, their constituents’
interest, interest groups’ concerns, and political party loyalty.
Congress also oversees the performance of government agencies by
conducting investigations through congressional oversight.
Finally, Congress provides services to its constituents.
5-1 Section Review
1. How do constituents, interest groups, and political
parties influence how members of Congress vote on
legislation?
-
Constituents voice approval or disapproval
-
Constituents may vote against a member based on
policy.
-
Interest groups provide information, organize
constituents, and raise money.
-
Political parties provide assistance, publicity, and
funding for party members.
5-1 Section Review
2. What role do members’ personal beliefs play on how
they vote on legislation?

Sometimes, a congressperson will support or vote against
legislation, even if it is contrary to the wishes of most constituents.
5-1 Section Review
3. On what types of issues do congressional
investigations tend to focus?

Congressional investigations tend to focus on scandals or problems
with government programs. Budget restraints also require closer
scrutiny of government programs.

*special note – Elected officials often benefit with publicity from their
involvement in some investigations.
5-1 Section Review
4. How do constituents’ requests help members of
Congress perform their jobs?

Patterns of requests may alert representatives to problems in
specific programs.
Be prepared for open
notebook quiz