American Government Exercise- Who's Who in Congress

Topic: Do you know who your U.S. Congressman is? What about the two U.S. Senators from Michigan? Who represents you in Lansing? This assignment will help you identify who represents you both in Congress and the Michigan Legislature, while discovering where these politicians stand on some policy issues.

Directions: Answer the following questions. Please type your answers in a separate document and submit it to Blackboard by the due date (submission link posted in the "Exercise 2" folder under the "Exercises" tab). Make sure your NAME is on said document. (Note: all hyperlinks herein are also posted on Blackboard in the "Exercise 2" folder.)

1. Navigate to Project Vote Smart's website. In the search window, type "Debbie Stabenow." Hit enter. Select "Debbie Stabenow - U.S. Senate" when it appears. Next, click on the "Bio" tab. You should be directed to Senator Stabenow's biography. By reading through Senator Stabenow's biographical details, what previous political and professional experiences do you think helped Senator Stabenow in winning her senate seat?

2. Search for Gary Peters (the junior U.S. senator from Michigan). This time, however, click on "Issues." Read through the stances Senator Peters has taken. Do you agree or disagree with his positions? Why or why not?

3. Do you know who your U.S. Representative is? If so, search for them on Project Vote Smart (like you did above). If you need to discover who your U.S. Representative is, you can use the U.S. House's website. Once you find your representative, answer the following:

a. Where did your representative grow up (i.e. hometown)?
b. Does he or she have any previous political experiences? If so, what?
c. Look at his/her issue positions. What positions do you agree with? Why?
d. What positions do you disagree with? Why?
e. In your opinion, do you think that the representative's positions are in line with his/her constituents? What form of representation is this?

4. Who represents you in the MICHIGAN legislature? List their names below. Use the following links to figure it out (also posted on Blackboard):

MI State Representative:

MI State Senator:

5. Choose either your state representative or state senator from above. Next, identify a policy topic that you believe the MICHIGAN legislature should be considering. Then, compose a SHORT email/letter to your representative/senator explaining your position on the issue (BRIEFLY!) and how you would like them to vote. Conclude your letter/email with a thank you and then sign with your full name, followed by your hometown. In general, a legislative staffer will respond to your letter on behalf of the state senator/representative.

Here is an example:

The Honorable Michael Green State Senator

Dear Senator Green:

I write to you today to urge you and your Senate colleagues to take up consideration of increased funding for Michigan's higher educational institutions. As you know, the affordability of college has been decreasing in recent years, a nationwide trend, despite politicians from both political parties stressing the importance of a college education. As part of that commitment, I would like to see you support an increased pupil allowance in the higher education budget presented by the Governor.

An increase in funding for our state's colleges and universities will help thousands of Michigan students to attend college and jump-start their careers. As a former businessman, you know the importance of having an educated workforce pool. Giving our higher educational institutions appropriate means in which to educate and train this workforce is not only right but essential for Michigan's economic recovery.

Thank you for reading my email. If I can be of any further service, please do not hesitate to contact me at the email address herein.

Sincerely,
Kevin G. Lorentz II Bentley, Michigan