7.1 Explain why Americans have a lovehate relationship with Congress.

7.2 Describe the tensions between local representation and national lawmaking.

7.3 Explain how checks and balances work between Congress and the executive and judicial branches.

7.4 Describe the ways that politics influences how congressional districts are defined, who runs for Congress, and who wins.

7.5 Summarize the central role that the parties play in Congress.

7.6 Describe the process of congressional policymaking and its effect on citizens’ views of Congress.