Friday, November 6, 2009
Congress
There are many things that Congress is responsible for. (ex: passing bills, oversight functions, doing things for their constituents (constituent services), obtaining money: pork, discussing issues in committees, etc). Answer BOTH of the following: What do you think the most important duty of a congressman is and why? AND Should congressmen have term limits? Why or why not?
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I believe that among the most important duty of a congressman is to vote. This can be considered the greatest duty for a congressman because it is important for them to voice their opinion for the people that voted for them. It is the most important task for multiple reasons. One, if they do not vote the way that people want them to then they will probably not get elected again. Two, it is more important than the others because all other decisions and actions in the country derive from their voting. Congress men should defiantly have term limits because if not they could just sit there and get fat off their own raises. Also they would not have to worry about doing what is right because they will never need to be voted in again. Lastly it would be very bad because of the impact of them not really following what they are supposed to do the country could collapse because they are the major decision maker for bills.
ReplyDeleteA) I agree with with my clone james jimenez. It wouldn't actually be a democracy if the congress passed whatever they want on the terms that they belive should be done. If the do, however, vote towards the way the people of their district do, they retain the democratic purpose of the bicameral legislature. this is important because who knows better what their district needs than the people in it. And what the people vote for the congress then should mirror that to the best of their abilities.
ReplyDeleteB) It shouldn't really matter that the congressmen and women should have term limits. If they are doing what they are supposed to for the area they represent then why shouldn't they be allowed to continue to serve as a representative? Just let them do a good job and keep on keeping on.
I think that being a Congressman the most important aspect of it is the constituents service. For the fact that their schedule is compacted and majority of the time isn't on specific sectors of the population rather the whole. They are consumed in having to make decisions with the nation in mind, which can easily cause them to lose sight of the average man. And by doing this service for their own citizens should be their own initiative because they want to help out and care but it's probably more than likely to become recognized to be reelected. I also think that Congressman should have a term limit because they do get a lot of perks in their occupation and should probably stop soaking up the luxurious aspects of it. And after a certain amount of time they're in office, they should have to be like the other parts of Congress where they have to go out to the public and win people's votes once again. Because it'll keep the Congressman in check and reminds them that their action should reflect what the American people want and be cautious of their decision. Though it could be seen as a hassle and a waste of money, but if incumbents are nearly always reelected then why should they have to worry?
ReplyDeleteThe most important thing that congressmen and women do is represent the views of their people. When they vote on bills and other types of legislation it is their most important duty to vote according to what their district would want. This is, I believe, the most important duty of a congress member because it is the sole purpose that they were elected by the people. The people of any given district expect that their elected representative will do just that, represent their needs and concerns and therefore vote accordingly. I feel strongly that congressmen should have term limits. If incumbents are always elected to congress then how is the government changing and keeping up with its modern people? Ideas change, people change, and therefore government should change with them. America is holding itself back by not giving term limits to members of congress, there is no way that change can be apparent if there is no change in people.
ReplyDeleteI believe that congressman are responsible for passing laws that will benefit the citizens. Congressmen are elected officials of the United States government. Congressman are not responsible for making laws, but also they help deciding many issues such as , including federal tax rates, the minimum wage that employers must pay their workers and also help the government deciding how they should distribute a term limit because they should experience different changes in the government. If the congressman is doing what they are suppose to do by making sure that the citizens voice is being heard, this will benefit the people and the government. But, is he congressman decides to not follow their duties or responsibilities this will bring a major impact to the entire United States.
ReplyDeleteAndrea Reyes 2nd period
I agree with Lydia, the people voted for these congressmen and women with the intent of having their views represented. Even though the power to vote is also important, there's no point when that congressman's vote does not reflect the will of the people in his district. Not only does it defeat the purpose of equal representation but it also defeats the purpose of person's right to vote when their views are not being represented. I think it's important for congressmen to have limits. If there was a corrupt congressmen in office, the people would not want him to remain in office for however long he lives or until he retires. The idea of term limits helps congress refresh it's staff and replace older congressmen with new and younger people to take their place and offer a different point-of-view.
ReplyDeleteTina P.
2nd Period
I too believe that voting is the most important job of a congressman or woman. Now, I do think that Congressman have very IMPORTANT jobs other than voting. Like Lydia said, helping pass laws that benefit citizens is incredibly beneficial. But I think voting is the most important job because we vote for our congressmen for a reason. We want them to do what we want basically and by electing them we have a better chance of getting our voice heard through that congressman.
ReplyDeleteTerm limits? That's hard for me to decide. Now, I do think that with more and more time corruption becomes a higher possibility because the congressmen will think they can manipulate the system. That would be a high reason for term limits. Also havinga new congressmen every few or so years will help because it'd be easier for them to be more updated.
However, one thing that the Congressmen Incumbents would have against the newbies is experience. It's hard to beat that. One of Senator McCain's biggest deals was he had great experience, and he did. So that would be a reason to not have term limits. But if I HAVE to choose then I would say yes, on term limits.
I believe that the most important duty of a congressman is voting as well. It isn't just voting though, they must vote for what their constituents want, after all that is why they were elected as their representative. If a congressman doesn't vote than he does his constituents no good. He is there to express the feelings of hundreds of people. It is through this one congressman that hundreds of voices are heard. He must base his vote on what his constituents desire, in a reasonable manner.
ReplyDeleteI do not believe that congressmen should have term limits. Having a new congressman every few years will decrease the voice of the people. If the same district had the same representative for many years than that one representative will have a better understanding of what his people want and what to vote for and not to vote for. It comes as an advantage for the citizens because they are being represented by a reliable congressman.
I think the most important duty of a congressman is voting for what their constituents want. That is the main reason why they exist and are chosen. By voting the represent the views of many people and this way they are ensuring themselves that they will get reelected. Most representatives run for a long time because people already know how they are going to vote and if they are agree they will vote for this representative again. As for a new running representative where people do not know how he might vote wont get elected probably.
ReplyDeleteFor term limits, i think that is hard to decide. This is because if representatives run for a long time, then they can become corrupt and the constituents certainly dont want this. However if term limits are put then the constituents voice wont be heard eveytime. If there are term limits, then people would not be sure that their representatives will vote how they want because there would be a new one every time. Also with this comes the inexperience of the new elected representatives. And people want experienced representatives who will know how to do their job right.
Laura Paez
2nd Period
Laura Cipra
ReplyDelete5th Period
I think that the most important duty of a congressman is to represent the citizens of their states. They should go out into the community and find out what issues need solving. In turn if they do this and carry it into congress then that could lead to them getting reelected. The people want someone to vote for the better of their community. They want to see positives come out the of what the congressmen are doing. On term limits, I agree with what is in place now. Each election a congressman can be leaving office so there is a open seat. Some congressman are in there their whole lives and most of the time it is because the people like what they are doing.
Shane Healy
ReplyDelete2nd period
The most important duty of a Congressman is to make laws that will benefit America.
That's about it. All their speeches, campaigns, and amendments are supposed to improve our country.
And yes, I do think that Congressmen should have term limits. It seems to me that the absence of term limits inevitably facilitates corruption.
Liz S.
ReplyDelete2nd period
I strongly believe that the most important part of a congress man/woman's job is to accurately represent their constituent's needs and wants. If a congress member were to only act on his peoples wants, or only on their needs, they would not truly be getting their job done. The sole purpose of their job is to improve this country in all aspects, which is done by doing what is best for the people. A combination of trustee and delegate voting should be used to most effectively improve this country. As for term limits, i think they should be put into effect. If congress had term limits it would not necessarily eliminate corruption, but it would without a doubt cut it down.
I think that the most important role that Congressmen play is passing bills. This is because passing a bill accomplishes two things. It makes a rule/regulation that people must follow, and it shows people that they can make a difference. Most bills are thought up by people, so when a bill is passed, it proves the people are being heard. It also proves that the Congressman is being a good representative by satisfying the public's needs. I think Congressmen SHOULD have term limits. It keeps the system democratic. It also allows for us to remove unworthy Congressmen, and elect someone who would do a better job. If the current Congressman is doing a great job,then he shouldn't have any trouble getting reelected.
ReplyDeleteKaren V.
Period 2
I think the Most important part of being a congressman or woman is following the Constiution. The Papers and laws of our fore father who have created laws in order to keep freedom over these lands.
ReplyDeleteAnd I dont think there should be term limits. People want term limits because the wrong ones keep getting into office. Well stop voting for them. If the term limit is on the right ones cant stay.
I think that the most important role that a Congressman does is represent the people. When they have to pass bills and do other things, they are supposed to go by what the majority of the people would want. If not, they wouldn't be doing the job they were elected to do. Whatever Congess does should be representative of the people.
ReplyDeleteI think that Congressman should have term limits. I don't like the idea of them being elected over and over with each election. Sometimes their ideas will be the same old ones with no wiggle room. By electing a new person after a certain amount of years, Congress will be more modern and up to date.
Lenitie C.
I think the most important role congressmen have is discussing issues in committee. One reason is because if they were'nt able to discuss with other people what they thought, then their ideas would never have gotten out to the other congressmen. Also if they couldnt get there reasons for there beliefs out then some people wont vote in favor of his idea. Another reason this is important, because the congressmen wouldnt be able to get their people's ideas out and in the discussion of Congress. I also believe that congressmen should have term limits. Becasue "term limits are a vital political reform that would bring new perspectives to congress" -heritage.org. So in other words when there are term limits then ideas of new congress runners will show up and make better change. Also some congressmen are disliked by there areas and they just need a new one.
ReplyDeleteAmy G
2nd period
I think the most important role for our congressmen is to represent there people. Most of the time when congress passes a bills, they have to think about the people. While making or passing the bill, our congressmen had to make sure it helps the people and benefits us. I think that congressmen should have term limits because it's not fair to others that wants to serve the people. Sometimes a congressmen only have specific laws to pass; and if we have the same congressmen over and over again. Then the same bill would be pass over and over again until it becomes a law. So with new congressmen, they would have new ideas to benefit the people.
ReplyDeleteI think the most important job for Congressmen is having the responsibility of making laws. It is this power that determines the rules every citizen in the country must obey. If poor laws were to be made, it could cause the fall of America’s democratic government or at least put it in poor condition. Although I think members of Congress have other very important duties that can damage government from all angles if not done properly, in my opinion, the making of laws contributes the most directly to the rest of the nation. I also believe that Congress members should be held under term limits. Term limits give a higher amount of individuals a chance to participate within the houses of Congress. Also, the longer the same individuals stay in Congress, the more isolated they are more likely to become from society due to their constant stay in unordinary power. Being able to switch members could lower the amount of corruption since Congressmen know they have to be at least somewhat legitimate to stay in power. At a large scale, alternating members expresses principles of democracy because it gives a higher percentage of people a say in their government.
ReplyDeleteNilsen S. Per. 2
I believe the most important thing our Congressmen do is represent the body of people who elected them. Lets face it, if we had a true democracy nothing would get done. It could work in Athens when it was created because back then people who lived together were generally very similar and not alot of people lived there. In America however, our population is so massive and so diverse that getting a majority to agree on something would be near impossible. Having COngressmen allow a condensed versionof democracy, trusting that an elected official will represent the population that decided to put their trust in them. As for term limits, I do believe there should be an amount of years they can serve for each time elected, giving other people a semi- fair chance to win as well. If we did not force the congressmen to have to be part of an election somewhat frequently they would not feel the pressure to please their constituents. If congressmen do not prove to their people that they will act in their best intrest, the people will not reelect them.
ReplyDeleteabove is..
ReplyDeleteHaleigh C.
5th
Steven N. Period-2
ReplyDeletewhat do i think the most important duty of a congressmen is? i think that the most important duty of a congressmen is to make actions that best profit its constituents and its disctrict or whoever they preside over. Elections are determined by money, and advantages given by PACs and corporations in return for policy decisions. In my opinion the congressmen should do what is best for the people, whether the groups backing the candidate agrees or not. Although the candidate may lose large group supporters such as businesses, our nation will move away from the elitist type of politics and will be fair for the people. Should congressmen have term limits? Yes, this is not aimed toward all congressmen, but there are many accounts of corruption in the government, but these congressmen continuously are reelected into office.
I think the most important this a congressman/woman can do is represent the people. America was founded on the basis "for the people by the people" if our representatives did not represent our interest we wouldn't be a democratic-republic. Even though passing a bill is an important aspect of being a congressman but they pass the bills in order to satisfy the constituents and to make our grievances political issues. I do believe that there should be term limits in congress not only because it stops corruption but it allows other people with new ideas on how we can be represented a chance. I think without term limits the lobbyists will run the government and play a huge part in how votes are cast which is not what a democratic-republic is about. And in my opinion that is how we the constituents are represented, not by our congressmen but by their lobbyist. Money talks, so when we know its the money talking for our congressmen and not him for us that's when term limits can come in handy. Just my thought though.
ReplyDeleteabove is Avery C.
ReplyDeleteperiod 5
I think the most important part of a congressmen's job is to represent the people that elected them. I believe this because anything they do will effect the citizens, so the congressmen should take it great consideration of what the people want. Passing bills are important too, but they have to see what kind of bills the people want so they can pass a benefical bill for the people. And obviously, if the congressmen doesn't do great job in representing what the people want, then he will lose his/her position of being a representative for them.
ReplyDeleteI think having term limits will be better for the people. Because if someone stays in power long enough, they'll know how to play the people by giving some voice to the people and the rest of the power will be theirs. And that'll give them a lot of power that will go to their head, which will breate corruption in the government. And it won't be a pretty ending. And by having a new representatives every couple of elections, it will help get new ideas for bills that can really overall help the people.
Grace Kang
Period 5.
i think the most imprtant thing that congressman do is represent their constituents. we elect them, and so i think they should do what we expect them. not to sound all divaish or anything, but its not like we elected some guy just because. we elect them for a reason and a good reason at that. we like what he says and hopes he brings it to the table. and to answer the second question, yes, they should have term limits. going back to what i said, if they dont live up to their word, they need to get the boot. and even if they do, there might be other issues that come up and we feel like is more important. and plus, its always good to see a fresh face every counple of years..
ReplyDeleteLesli H.
Period 5
Along with many others, I also believe that Congressmen's major duty is voting. However, I believe that they should vote more often on what they believe, especially on smaller issues. Normal citizens are usually not well informed, while it is the congressman's job to know the ins and outs on every subject, giving them the advantage in terms of voting smart and doing whats best for the country as a whole. Also because of this, I believe we should not impose term limits, as having congressmen for long periods of time increases stability and they are allowed to progress their ideas through time rather than pushing them early because they are out of terms and cannot come back. With limits, you would have a constant revolving door with many new eager polititians trying to push only their bills, while older more experienced congressmen value the idea of comprimise and understand you must give a little to get your voice heard.
ReplyDeleteTaylor F.
Period 2
I believe the most important duty of congressmen is to represent the issues of their constituents. WE are the people, and congress should represent us through their actions in Washington. America likes to brag about how we are a represented. So the job of congressmen is very important, because they do exactly that, they represent uss. I think congressmen should not have term limits. Sometimes we come along good congressmen, and they should stay in office if there going to do well for the people. We cant limit their success.
ReplyDeleteThe most important duty for a congressmen is being representative of those who elect him. The actions that these congressman take must either directly be for the benefit of the voters OR must be on the behalf of the overall welfare for those who elect him. There should not be a term limit on terms for congressmen. If there was an implemented term limit then congress would lose much of its political swaggar as it would not be able to work towards policy goals as no one would be able to get anything done with any sort of limit on their time in congress. Congress requires experienced people to reside within its domain. -- Jeff prd 2
ReplyDeleteWOAH MULTIPLE PAULINES, WHICH ONE IS THE REAL ONE ?????????????????????????????????????
ReplyDeleteRebekah B.
ReplyDelete5th period
I think that the most important duty of a Congressman is to vote. There are may ways to vote: as a delegate, trustee, and partisan. A delegate votes according to their constituents wants. A trustee votes according to what they think is best for their constituents. A partisan votes according to their party. The best combination for a Congressman is to vote as a mix of all of these. By doing so they are doing their job because they are working towards the goals of the people they represent. As long as they do their job they should not have term limits imposed. I just think that the constituents should check up on their representatives more often to ensure that they are being well represented and vote differently come election day if they aren't representing them correctly.
I think the most important role of a congressmen is to help the community and find out what the people want and make actions on it. This is a big factor because some congressmen just help make laws which is good because that helps. But when the congressmen goes out and speaks to the people he reallt finds out what they want and their needs. I dont think that congressmen should have term limits. My reasons are because if a congressmen is doing what hes supposted to and helps his state then he should be able to stay and help them even more.
ReplyDeleteDestin Pipes
CHICHIWONKA
I think the most important duty of a congressman/congresswoman is the representation of the people who had chosen them. Even though there are other important duties that the congress is responsible for, this is the main one. The whole government system is to help the people get want they want and whatever that will be for the best of the people. The people can get involved with the government by many ways because of the 1st amendment. By doing so, they can voice their opinion about an issue that concerns them and can change for the better of the nation. I think there should be term limits because if the congressman/congresswoman remains in their seat for a long period of time, there would be less new ideas and the sense that they have to do their best to be re-elected for the next election. Also, if there were term limits there would be new ideas from the new congress people. So, I believe that there should be limits on how many years you can serve in congress.
ReplyDeleteLydia C.
5th
The most important duty that a congressman has is voting. This is the reason that citizens vote for congressmen to begin with. Congressmen represent the will of the people and should reflect the opinions of the people as such. All other things like constituent services are secondary. Voting on issues is where congressmen are the ones that make the difference. Other issues can be taken care of by other people with less influence, albeit with less efficiency.
ReplyDeleteCongressmen should not have term limits. If they are not performing to the constituent's standards, then they will lose support and be replaced by a new one.
I believe the most important job for a congressman is listening an representing to his/her constituents. The reason he is in Washington is because of these people. The congressman should listen to what they want. Then when the times comes he should vote in thier favor. The congressman should vote for bills he feels strongly for so he wont slow down the system. He doesnt need to vote for every bill that pops up. I believe there should be term limits in Congress. This is so we can have a fresh face once in a while in Congress.
ReplyDeleteChristian D.
5th period
I don't think they have one job that is more important than the others. Like what everyone else said, their constituents services are important because they should be representing the people that elected them into office. A congressman needs to be fair and do what he feels is best for the people he represents (and make sure it actually IS what's best for them). But they have other important jobs like supervising the executive and judicial branches. Writing and passing federal laws is another important duty they have as well. So I don't think just ONE of their duties is more important than the others.
ReplyDeleteI don't think it matters if they have term limits or not. As long as they're doing their job it shouldn't matter. But that's my opinion.
The entire purpose of congress is to pass bills. That is what they are there for. All the other things congress members do are on the side so that they can get reelected. Their job that the people elect them to do is to vote on the bills how their people feel they should.
ReplyDeleteThey should not have term limits in congress. THe lack of them now allows for truly experienced congressmen. Having a term limit would mean less congressmen who know how to get things done and more overly idealistic beginners.
Aaron Krohn
5th Period
I think that Congress's most important function is to pass bills. Afterall most of the other things that they do are done to get reelected, make sure the bills are being followed, or refine the bills before they pass them. Congress's bill passing job is what gives them their power and does the most for our country.
ReplyDeleteI am of the opinion that congressmen should not have term limits. Americans should be able to vote for whoever they want for positions less powerful than the presidency. Also we need experienced law makers that know how things work and can lead the legislative branch.
Ethan Krohn 5th period
I think the most important thing that congressmen do is doing things for their constituents becuase i am a constituent and i would want them to be looking out for me and the rest of the people that live in this world with me. I dont really mind the term circumstances i think there would have to be alot more voting if the terms were shortened and it wouldnt be worth it becuase people would vote that much anyway. But as long as everyone is happy with that represenative everything should stay the same. Congressmen need to please the people so they can be reelected. But they choose their term lenghts so the term time cannot be controled by the people or the constitution. While the having the power to make term limits for themselves i think they should be working for the people as a top priority while in office.
ReplyDeleteI think the most important duty that a congressman can make is voting and doing things for their constituents. The point of a congress is to benefit the nation and the people. With that said, the most important thing to for a congressman is to make the people they're representing happy and taken care of. I do think that there should be term limits becayse it leaves the opportunity open for the transfer of new ideas. Getting rid of some congressmen who are a bit old fashioned and closed minded would help to foster new concepts that a different congressmen could bring. Term limits leave the door open for fresh outlooks to better solutions that a couldnt be acheived if the same people were in congress for a lifetime.
ReplyDeleteThe most important duty for a congressman is to vote. They represent the people's opinion. Thats how they why they were voted in the first place.
ReplyDeleteYou wouldn't want a congressman to vote against what you believe in. If they did, well, they wouldn't stay very long in office.
I think that there shouldn't be any term limits for congress. If there were, then these new people would lack the experience thats needed. He/she should stay in office as long as he/she is actually doing there job.
Alex Negreros per. 5
ReplyDeleteThe most important thing a congressman can do is gain support from his constituents. To do so a congressman should vote for his constituents' wants in order to make them want to vote for him again. By pleasing the people, it's a win win situation because the people voted for that congressman for a reason in the first place; and that is they believe that congressman would give them what they want. We want our congressman to be a good representation of our wants. As for term limits, I think that there should be term limits because people and ideas change. We are always looking for better and more accurate representations of our wants and needs.
ReplyDeleteRebekah B.
ReplyDelete5th period
I agree with Donald about their most important job being working for the goals of their constituents because that is exactly what their job entails. Haleigh brings up a good point when she mentions that there should be term limits because some people get lazy and they need to always think about doing their job and voting on the prominent subjects. Caleb's view also relates to this because he mentions how it will keep them updated. This is good because by keeping them on their toes they will be more determined to do their job efficiently.
I totally agree with Shane. The only reason why they are there and why there speeches matter is because they are the chosen group to give the people of America what they want. I also think what Haleigh said was interesting about how the congressmen could just become lazy and to prevent that we could introduce term limits. I also think Teresa's idea of gaining the constituents approval and votes is there most important job. In order to have been elected he must have been voting for what the people want and this shows a true democratic-republic.
ReplyDeleteAvery C.
Period 5
Laura C.
ReplyDelete5th Period
I agree with Brittany about the most important role of a congressman. Their most important job is to vote. With that vote they should do things for their constituents. I do not think there should be term limits but I do understand her view that there should be. Sometimes congressmen have been in there for a long time and it comes time for change and new ideas. I also agree with Destin that congressman need to help their communities and make their actions based on what the people want. Avery was also right saying that the congressmen need to represent the people. By passing the bills, they will satisfy most of their constituents. Pleasing your constituents will lead to reelection, something the congressman wants.
@ brittanytolliver :)
ReplyDeleteI agree with you, the most important duty of a congressman is voting. This way he makes sure the voice of the people is heard. People vote for their congressmen so they can vote based on what the constituents want. Also I partially agree with you regarding the term limits, I do belive in a way we should have term limits, because these give new ideas but at the same time brings inexperienced people to work.
@ nilsen
I agree with you it is important for congressman to make laws. No any one can make a law, since people must obey them they have to be good laws and congressmen have the power and knowledge to do this. I also agree with you in that congressmen should have term limits. This way it would help bring fresh faces to the house with new ideas. This can lower the corruption that with time others memeber might have.
@ Andrea Reyes
i agree with you, congressman are responsible for passing lws that will benefit the consdtituents. They don't make the laws officials but they vote and decide on it. Also they fix it until they think its ready to go up to the president to determine if it will indeed be a law or not.
Laura Paez
Period 2
@Ethan Krohn
ReplyDeleteI agree with Ethan saying that the most important duty of a congressman is to pass bills. The bills are after all how our country is run and if we didn't have the congressman to pass the bills than we wouldn't have the freedom of speech to establish bills in which we as citizens believe are worthy to be passed.
@ Pauline
I agree with you. The congressman's most important job is to vote. And since we as Americans continuously brag about having a representative government, it is the congressman's job to come through and represent it's people and vote for what their constituents want.
@Brittany
I agree with you saying that congressman's most important job is to vote. Their job is to make the people happy by voting based on their beliefs. I also agree with the term limits. I initially didn't think a congressman's term should be limited but after your response I changed my mind because new ideas should transfer into Congress. Otherwise, the same people will be in Congress voting for the same things they have always voted for and there will be no diversity in Congress.
^^
ReplyDeleteOMAR BAHENA
2nd Period
@ Liz
ReplyDeleteI agree with Liz because the most important part of the congressmen/woman is to represent their constituent’s needs and wants. Also, the most important duty is to make laws that will benefit America, by doing what is the best for the people. I believe that the terms should be limited in order to eliminate corruption that might exist.
@ Karen
I also agree with Karen because the congressmen/woman, not only represent their constituents needs and wants but they also play an important role in passing bills. This means that if a bill is being passed, then the people who live in this country are being heard. I also believe that congressmen should have a limit term because it allows us to elect even better congressmen/women in the next time period.
@ Gabi Marines
I also agree with Gabi because I don’t think they have a specific job such as to represent their constituents or passing bills. Congressmen/women should be representing the people that officially elected them into office.
Andrea Reyes
2nd period
@Gabimartinez
ReplyDeleteI love that you point out how all the jobs of congressmen are important because they are. Congress is the small group of people that along with the President make the most important decisions for our country. So it is important that we have people that can handle all aspects of congress because no part of congress job is unimportant.
@swgloveman
I agree with how no term limits keeps a certain level of stability but the point of congress is to be the voice of majority to keep a bit more organization in our government. While I agree the public is very uneducated, maybe congressmen should help out those they represent and make sure they are educated instead of letting them go on ignorant.
@james jiminez
I totally agree, we need to have term limits to keep congressmen on the ball. If they never had to worry about being reelected they would have any motive to do they best they can in their job, and we no longer have a reason to have to please their constituents.
Haleigh
5th
@donaldb: I also think that having term limits will motivate members of congress to please their constituents. If congressmen don’t have to worry about getting re-elected by their people, there would be no pressure to do good for their community. Like you said, this would lessen the priority of the Constitution to give power to the people. Having a lifetime of power allows only a handful of individuals to get a grasp of that power.
ReplyDelete@GabiMarinez: I agree with what you said about members of congress having to know what’s best for the people. This means not necessarily agreeing with what his/her people want. Sometimes citizens can be ignorant of what truly is best for them so it lays the responsibility to the member of congress, with all his/her resources, to make the right choice(s). I also believe that some of their jobs are almost of the same importance to the others.
@gracekang: I agree that a congressman’s most important duty while in office is to represent those who elected him to that position. Like you mentioned, the passing of bills and other jobs all fall into the category of affecting the American people. They are the ones who decide how this country is going to run through all the choices they make so he/she should represent what’s best for the majority. I also agree that if congressmen are deprived of term limits, Americans may lose at least some of their voice in government.
Nilsen S. 2nd per
@Brittany
ReplyDeleteIf term limits are imposed, I think it could open up the floor to new ideas, but what if there is too many ideas? This could lead to gridlock with 500+ new eager congressman all trying to get THEIR policies passed.
@Haleigh
I agree that some congressman can get lazy. However, I believe that the majority are serious about their jobs, and that is why we reelect so if the constituents are unhappy, they can change the situation.
@Duk
You reffered to the congressman upholding the constitution. This being said, do you believe that the constitution should be updated/modernized? Many rules/beliefs held in the original writing of the constitution are no longer in effect, so your statement could have quite a broad interpretation.
I disagree with Justin on that there should not be term limits for office. I understand your point, but I still think after a certain amount of time, some Congressmen should not continue to have their seat. We should keep the chairs updated with new ideas from new people
ReplyDeleteI agree with Christian on how the most important job a Congressman has is to represent the views and ideas of the people. That was my exact point. I think that all the other job ideals are not as important as that.
I really agree with Shane on how their jobs should also be about making laws that will better America. I think it's one of the best answers given. It makes me want to re-think my answer, because that is also what Congressman exist to do.
@James Grant
ReplyDeleteI dont think that the congressmen should not have term limits, because if they sit in the house or senate they will ripen to the point that they will no longer do what they are supposed to do. They won't do what is needed, because they will know they wont get kicked out so they will have no incentive to do any real stuff.
@Loraine
ReplyDeleteI highly agree with your viewpoint that Congressman should have term limits because they need to have an incentive to actually work, and also people need a way to get rid of they if they dont do what they are supposed to.
@Omar
ReplyDeleteAlthough it makes sense that having the same congressmen would help their district, it also is true that they shouldnt be allowed to just sit in office. This is because they need a sort of incentive to work. Like you said that the congressmen need to vote if they just stayed in office, then they would not feel a need to really get out there and vote.
@James J.
ReplyDeleteI agree that the most important duty of congressmen is to vote. I think that you may not have understood, what was meant by term limits. Congressmen still have to be reelected as they are now, we don't have term limits. The debate is whether we should limit the number of times that they can be elected to office.
@Lydia O.
I disagree with you on how congressmen should vote. They have persuaded their constituents that they have can lead the country in the right direction and we should let them do what they think is best for the nation. I hope that most congressmen are smarter than the average citizen, and electing smart people would be pointless if they did exactly what their constituents wanted 100% of the time. Finnaly I think that our congressmen are staying up with the times as well as most Americans. Having term limits would actually hold us back more through our governing body having less experience.
@Omar
I agree that voting is really the main reason why we elect our congressmen, however I dont think that we elect them only so that they can repreasent the majorities veiws on everything. If we did why would their intelligence, character, or beliefs matter.
I agree with James. Voting is the most important aspect of a congressman's job. It is what they are elected to do.
ReplyDeleteI disagree with Liz. If we had term limits it would mean that there would be less experienced people in politics.
I disagree with Christian. Congressmen should represent all the people not just the ones in their district.
Aaron Krohn
Period 5
@James
ReplyDeleteI agree that the paramount duty of congressmen is to vote and do what is best for us (those he represents)
@Lydia O.
The congressment should vote in what is best for their consitutents and for what is best for the nation. If congress becomes to compartmentalized then not much could ever hope to be done since each rep. would only worry about what effects those he represents.
@Justin
i agree with justin, there should not be term limits on those seats. We need experience in congress not "fresh" people.
@James J.
ReplyDeleteI absolutely agree. We voted for them so that they can vote for us. However, I don't think they should have term limits. They are doing a big job, the pay is only natural.
@Shane H.
Righto! Their job is to improve the country we live in. However, I believe there should be no term limit; it is far more useful to keep experienced congressmen in office and dealing with corruption as it appears.
@Gabi M.
I disagree; voting is definitely their top priority. They're deciding fate of most Americans when it comes to things like the health care bill. Constituent service is just icing on the cake.
-Justin N. 1st Period
Omar makes a good point by mentioning the fact that one congressman would have the thorough understanding of his own district and what is best for constituents. The consistency does require less effort from the people by not having participate in elections and reelect for someone in office repeatedly. In theory and probably in reality, it is convenient but the only factor to worry about is if the congressman is trustworthy and reliable for the constituents. Because after an extensive amount of time a certain congressman is in office, their incentives might be tainted.
ReplyDeleteGlezen’s committee aspect right, congressmen would have too much to do if their duty weren’t narrowed down. And once assigned to a specific committee they can then specialize on the circumstance.
Justin’s response was concise; the lack of support should be the factor that makes the congressmen’s decision reflect upon the constituent’s needs.
@ Andrea R.
ReplyDeleteI agree with what you said. Congressmen and women are responsible for passing laws that benefits the citizens and the nation. They are elected to help the people by making laws that are beneficial to them in anyway possible like the examples that you gave. Also they are supposed to make sure that the citizens’ voices are being heard and done something about it. And I also agree that if the congressmen and women decide not to do their duties or responsibilities, it will have a major impact on the entire United States.
@ Lenitie C.
I totally agree with you on both the responsibilities and the term limit. The congressmen and women most important role should be to represent the people. They do everything for the sake of the citizens and they hear what issues are on their mind. Also, they should have term limits because of the new ideas that can be brought into Congress. Like you said, Congress should be more modern and up to date, so that they can efficiently help the citizens with their problems.
@ Haleigh C.
I agree with you. There are a lot of different people in the United States that getting a majority to agree on something is near impossible. So, the important thing the Congressmen and women is to represent the body of the people. Also, I agree with you on the term limit. There should be limits because of the pressure that it can put on them to make them work harder for the people that will elect them again in the next election.
Lydia C.
5th
@teresa-I agree with you. I think as a congressman, it is very important to please the people who voted them into office.
ReplyDelete@alex-i disagree with you because in order for them to vote, the congressmen needs to gain support from the people. And to get that support, he’s probably going to promise them that he will voice their opinion. So until he gets voted into office, he can’t vote what the people want.
@brittany-i agree with you. The congressmen should definitely hear what the people have to say and through those ideas and thoughts, they should vote for what the people want/need the most
GraceKang
5th
@Alias/Justin N
ReplyDeleteWhile I would like to believe that you are correct (in stating that term limits deprive us of experienced representatives who can better serve the country without such limitations), I think it is far more likely that term limits enable corrupt incumbents to stay in office. Remember, experienced representatives can serve in other positions, just not the same position that they have held previously. If these representatives are really as good as they claim, they should be able to be elected to a different position.
@Taylor Fortney
I completely agree. Representatives should represent their constituents, and also make informed decisions on complex legislation that the public doesn't have the time to research.
@ James Jimenez
I think that's a great point, and it's exactly what I mean. Extended periods of power all too often end up corrupting politicians.
Shane Healy
2nd Period
In my opinion the most important job for a congress person is meeting with committees to discuss issues. Making decisions for an entire nation is obviously difficult, therefore the insight of fellow congressmen is needed. I recognize meeting with others to discuss an issue, especially when everyone has their own ideas, views, and opinions, can be challenging. I can imagine the time, energy, and debating that goes into making personal ideas sound attractive to others. Persuasion is an art and congress people, to an extent, need to have mastered this.
ReplyDeleteI do think congressmen should have terms limits. This gives everyone, who wishes, an opportunity to participate in the policymaking process. Making legislation is an tedious procedure and if some think it is unfair for them to put all of their hard work into this institution for it to just be taken away then I say to them," If your good enough then you should have nothing to worry about. You should be confident that Americans will re-elect you."
Wintress Cloud
Period 2
I agerr with Nilsn. Making laws is very important because its something that everyone has to follow. And that's an interesting point you brought up about the congressman being isolated.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Karen because she put the two ideas together that the passing of a bill means that the congressman is listening to people.
I agree with Christian because a congressman should be reperesting their constituents. Thats pretty much why they're in office.
@ Gabi Marine
ReplyDeleteI agree with how you said the service to constituents is important. I see how you can see that all thier jobs are equally important.
@Nilsen Sagastume
I agree with how you said a member of Congress might become disconnected from society. Keeping a fresh face on Congress is a good idea.
@ Laura Cipra
I agree that the most important job is representing thier citisens. I agree with your idea that the congressmen who stay awhile are probably doing a great job.
@ Lydia C.
ReplyDeleteI agree with your point about our rights in the first amendment. Congressmen do need to reflect the majority of their constituents so term limits would keep constituents' needs up to date.
@ Liz S.
I also like your point about bringing down the rate of corruption in congressmen. There's always that ONE congressman that tends to mess it up and ruin his reputation, so term limits would cut that chance down quite a bit.
@ Rebekah B.
You also have a good point about the GOOD congressmen out there. I guess if they are doing their job there's no need to limit their terms, but limiting terms on everyone would ensure that we're able to get rid of the corrupt ones.
-Teresa P.
I agree with those of you that said voting is important. Voting is a bog part in supporting their representatives.
ReplyDeleteAnd about the whole term limits deal, i'm still iffy about that. im still not sure whether they should have them or not. i think they should, but there are many people who are good at their job and some that just aren't.
Leslie H.
5th Period
I agree with everyone who said that representation of the people is a major part of a Congressman's job. People need to be represented in order to be a true democratic republic, and in order for them to remain in office.
ReplyDeleteI also agree with everyone that said that voting is a big part of their job. If they can talk the talk, they need to walk the walk. It's not just about agreeing with their people, it's about getting things done. And the way of doing that, is by voting for what their people want.
I disagree with everyone that said that congressmen should NOT have term limits. Although i understand that by keeping the same Congressman, he can get to know the area more, and has a better chance of representing his people properly, i don't think it is very Democratic. What if he's not doing a good job? We need to be able to have control over who represents us. The only way of doing that, is by voting for our Congressman, and regulating terms. Power will evenutally lead to corruption, and we must monitor that.
Karen V.
2nd Period
I agree with Eathan and Arrons view on what a congressmans most important role is. I still think it is to work for the citizens they represent. But i also understand that it is very important to pass bill seing as that besides trying to get re-elected this is probaby the only actuall work they put in that will make a change. @ nilson yes I didnt think of that before haha but yes that makes alot of sence because if congressman didn't have to prove anything to the voters they could just be lazy and do whatever they wanted.
ReplyDeleteDonald, wintress and taylor all bring up a good points. This is a responcse to all threes great examples of their job to carrry out belief and wanted policies. This type of congress will stick to reforms therefore making a our constitution to last longer. Instead of being destroed like an old document.
ReplyDeleteWhen it comes to the most important thing that congressmen and women do I definitely agree with Lydia. Representation of their people is at the top of the list. The purpose of their election is to listen to the people and represent them in a way that will get their needs met. When it comes to voting on bills it is their duty to keep the peoples wants in mind so that they can completely represent our ideas. I also agree with Lydia on the issue of term limits. I believe that congressmen should have term limits. As times change and government changes and politics change, so should the people who represent the people. We need to keep everything updated so that we can get the best outcome for what we want for our country.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Karen, Lydia, Aimee, and probably a lot of others that Congress should have term limits. It seems rather obvious to me that incumbency encourages corruption, and I don't think Congressmen are so invalauble and unique that we are incapable of replacing them with similarly talented individuals periodically.
ReplyDeleteCongressmen should be changed often, to prevent the so-called 'iron triangles' of coalitions of power from forming.
Shane Healy
2nd period
@ Britainy Toliver
ReplyDeleteI agree that the brining in of new ideas is important. But as for the term limits, what if the congressman coming in bring ideas but are not good for the people. All those ideas that actually benefited the constituents will eventually be overshadowed as history has proven and the new congressman then have the power to install laws that could actually hurt the public.