Learning Objectives

  1. Understand how questions of representation involve political and institutional considerations as well as questions of identity.
  2. Describe how the Constitution created Congress, including its structure and powers.
  3. Describe the rules, institutions, and processes that Congress itself has created to carry out its constitutional role.
  4. Explain the steps of the legislative process and how it can diverge from traditional “textbook” descriptions.
  5. Understand the factors that influence an individual’s decision to run, and the resources and skills that successful candidates need.
  6. Connect the issues surrounding the representation of women in Congress to the challenges involving representation of other individuals in America.