Civics Today Citizenship, Economics, & You

Chapter 6: The Legislative Branch

Web Activity Lesson Plans

Introduction
In this chapter students have read about the structure and function of the U.S. Congress. In the House of Representatives, 435 men and women work to pass laws that will improve the quality of life for all Americans. They and their staff workers also respond to the questions and problems of constituents and the congressperson's district or state. In this activity students will take a closer look at the person who represents them in this legislative body.

Lesson Description
Students will visit the Web site maintained by the United States House of Representatives. They will find the representative for their district and research his or her committees and current legislative issues. Then they will choose one committee and read about bills it is currently studying. Finally, students will be asked to write a letter to their representative on an issue that concerns them.

1. The learner will be able to identify their representative in the House.
2. The learner will be able to describe current legislation before the House.
3. The learner will be able to discuss one of the House committees.
4. The learner will be able to write a persuasive letter to his or her representative on an issue of current interest.