POLI 172 Lecture Notes - Lecture 1: Direct Election, Parochialism, Rand Paul
26 Apr 2016
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Document Summary
Founders intended congress to be the dominant branch of government: half of the constitution describes congress and its powers, but not always the first in the hearts of the people. Now has it been the most respected or most trusted branch. Members: de tocqueville almost all obscure individuals , but not a cross-section of americans at the start or today, although the makeup is more diverse than it was in the 18th or 19th century. 25 years old to serve in house; 30 in the senate. Citizen for at least 7 years house; 9 years senate. Members must reside in the state from which they are elected, but house members need not reside in their districts (not likely to get elected if they do not); local identity not as critical for the senate. During congress"s first forty years, 41 percent of house members, on average, dropped out every two years. Number of years of service less than today.
