Students and Leaders: Leaders in the Legislative Branch

Lessons on Leadership

Air Times:
May 18-22 at 6am & 7am ET on C-SPAN2
&
May 24-28 at 6pm & 7pm ET on C-SPAN

Teachers!
More Information?
e-mail: educate@c-span.org
phone: (202) 626-4858

National leaders visit New York City high schools
Students & Leaders on
the C-SPAN Networks

Purpose: This activity will help you understand the ways that leadership is important in the legislative branch.

Background: Voters in states and districts elect Senators and Representatives to serve in Congress and make laws that represent their interests. The U.S. House and Senate are comprised of hundreds of leaders, who, nonetheless, must work together. They must compromise and act in the best interests of their states and the country as a whole. Lawmakers engage in public debates, behind-the-scenes vote trading, committee hearings and coalition building. All the while, they must represent and satisfy their constituencies, with an eye toward the next Election Day.

Discussion Questions: As you watch the video clips below use these discussion questions to examine the leadership roles of leaders in the legislative branch.

Rep. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) [ Watch Clip]

Rep. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) encourages young adults to participate in the political system so they can play a role in the decisions being made in the government. He is concerned that many young people today under the age of 25 know very little about their government and politics, contributing to low voter turnout. Rep. Sanders asks the nation's youth to "participate, learn - ask the hard questions."

[ Watch Clip] Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC)

To Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), leadership involves an individual fousing on a concern or an issue and making it his or her own. She particularly admires leaders who show initiative and determination by taking on issues that no one else will.

Rep. Adam Putnam (R-FL) [ Watch Clip]

Rep. Adam Putnam (R-FL) recognizes the influence that committed individuals have had on his life. He attributes much of the progress in our society to the work of truly "committed individuals." From members of the military to teachers to members of Congress, he believes individuals are constantly making a difference in people's lives by influencing others' actions, minds and opinions.

View other lessons: Public Service | Legislative | Journalism