Learn about local congressional representatives

Overview: Republicans officially took control of the 108th Congress Tuesday, with a busy schedule ahead lawmakers from both parties. In the Senate, Tennessee Senator Bill Frist began his first day as majority leader, stating that he hoped that this Congress "will be defined by achievement as well as a cooperative spirit." He added that "at this point in time, our nation faces truly historic challenges."

After students read "Lawmakers get back to work" and watch the first segment of CNN Student News (the video can be accessed from CNNStudentNews.com) present following questions:

RESOURCES • CNN.com: New Congress begins with GOP at helm  • CNN/Money: Special Report: The Bush plan  • Holt, Rinehart and Winston: Role and Powers of Congress  • U.S. Senate  • U.S. House of Representatives

1. What two chambers comprise the U.S. Congress? How do these two chambers differ? Why is the political composition of the House and the Senate significant? Which political party controls both chambers of Congress? What are the political advantages to holding a majority in the House and the Senate?

2. Who is Nancy Pelosi and what position does she hold in Congress? Why is her role in Congress historically significant? Remind students that, during her swearing in ceremony, Rep. Pelosi stated that "with the extraordinary challenges that lay ahead we (Congress) will not only have to work in diligent cooperation and collaboration, but we will have to test our own imagination....(and) govern in new ways beyond the simplistic labels of left and right." Ask students: What do you think Pelosi means? What challenges lay ahead for the 108th Congress? What is at stake if congressional members are unable to work together?

3. Refer students to the Web sites below, and to local newspapers, to learn about their congressional representatives. Have students prepare a profile about each representative, including his/her professional background, voting record on key issues, and years of congressional service. Ask students to describe each representative's political orientation. After students present their findings, invite a congressional representative to speak to your class about the challenges that lay ahead for him/her in the new Congress and how he/she plans to meet these challenges.