Leaders in the Legislative Branch
Case Studies
Discussion Questions

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What a Leader Does
1. What are the goals of a legislator?

2. How does a legislator's constituency weigh in on his or her votes?

3. How do the goals of different members of Congress vary? Representatives vs. Senators? Committee Chairs vs. Committee Members?

4. How important is collaboration among lawmakers in the legislative branch?

Who a Leader Is
5. What particular professional and personal qualities are valued in legislators?

6. Should legislators distance themselves from their own emotions and personal interests when voting on a bill?

When and Where a Leader May Emerge
7. To what extent does the public response matter when evaluating a legislator's accomplishments as a leader?

8. Is it easier or more difficult to assess leadership qualities in an elected official or candidate today than it was one hundred years ago, before mass communications?

9. Should legislators have experience in professions other than government before coming into office? Is there an ideal career path a potential legislator should take?

10. How does a legislator gain seniority? Does seniority matter?