Congress & Pork Barrel Research Project
AP Government
Directions: Use the Internet to obtain information to answer the following questions. Make
sure your answers are comprehensive and coherent. You will need to type your answers
on a separate sheet of paper. Please label the assignment as this sheet is labeled. This
assignment will count as a 50 point project grade.
1. Define pork barrel spending. (1 point)
2. Go to http://thomas.loc.gov/ or your textbook to find out the following information:
a. Click on House of Representatives. Find the list of standing House of Rep.
Committees. Pick 3 and explain their major function. Research and explain
one issue recently before each of those committees. (9 points)
b. Click on Senate. Find the list of standing Senate Committees. Pick 3 and
explain their major function. Research and explain one issue recently before
each of those committees. (9 points)
3. Go to “Citizens Against Government Waste” website (www.cagw.org ). Click on “2012
Congressional Pig Book Summary at the bottom of the first column.
a. Read the 2012 summary. (Click on pdf file for a more readable file). What were
the two categories that saw smallest decrease in pork spending from 2010 to
2012? (2 points)
b. From 3 areas in the appropriation summary, pick 3 specific projects.
Summarize the people, the amounts received, and the projects. (9 points)
c. Find the 2011 congressional Ratings by click on the Read More button in the
first column then scrolling down to the bottom of the page. Name the
Representatives and Senators with the highest points. (5 points)
4. Find a site or post concerned about pork barrel spending reform (besides cagw).
a. List site you selected and the organization who publishes it. (1 point)
b. Summarize in a paragraph what positions the website holds. Include details
from the site that illustrates the site’s views. (2 points)
5. Find your congressional district & your Congressman. Go to his website.
a. Find out and explain a piece of legislation they have been recently involved
with, what constituent services they offer, and on what committees they serve.
(7 points)
b. Send an email to them explaining the following: (5 points)
 You are currently a senior at Currituck County High School in AP US
Government & Politics
 An inquiry about issues they are concerned with in Washington that will
have a direct impact on you.
 CC to me or a copy of your email attached. I recommend using school
email account.
Due Date: February 1, 2013!
WEIGHTED RUBRIC FOR CONGRESSIONAL PROJECT
Project Component
Point Value
Part 1: Definition
/1
Part 2a: House Committee 1
House Committee 2
House Committee 3
Part 2b: Senate Committee 1
Senate Committee 2
Senate Committee 3
/3
/3
/3
/3
/3
/3
Part 3a: Summary
Part 3b: Project 1
Project 2
Project 3
Part 3c: Rankings
/2
/3
/3
/3
/5
Part 4a: Site & Publisher
Part 4b: Site Summary
/1
/2
Part 5a: Congressional Info.
Part 5b: E-mail
/7
/5
Final Grade on all Components
/50