After reading this chapter, you should be able to:

• 6.1 Describe the requirements and powers of Congress and how the congressional electoral system works.
• 6.2 Identify the factors that create advantages and disadvantages in congressional electoral politics.
• 6.3 Discuss the racial and ethnic makeup of Congress.
• 6.4 Explain six basic problems of legislative organization.
• 6.5 Relate the institutional structures in the House and Senate that help members overcome barriers to collective action.
• 6.6 Describe what influences public opinion about Congress and its performance.