6. The Senate usually exercises more influence than the House in matters of lawmaking. Can you give reasons why this should be so?
7. Tell how congressional districts are mapped out. Mark on an outline map the districts in your state. Have any of them been gerrymandered?
8. The chairmanships of committees usually go to senior members. Do you think this a wise or unwise practice?
9. What would be gained, and what would be lost by lengthening to four years the term for which representatives are chosen?
10. Two women, Miss Rankin of Montana and Miss Robertson of Oklahoma, have sat in Congress. What are the arguments for and against electing women in future?
11. Members of the House of Representatives receive salaries of $7500 per year. Is this too much or too little? Give your reasons.
12. Congressmen are entitled to the free use of the mails. (This is called the franking privilege.) Some years ago one senator sent nearly 750,000 copies of his speeches through the mails free. Do you believe this privilege should be withdrawn or retained?
13. Should the rules of the House provide for unlimited debate?
14. Can you suggest any practical way in which the work of Congress might be improved?
Topics for Debate