Helping Constituents

Chapter 7, Section 4

How do representatives help constituents?

• Help with problems– Caseworkers– Problems with government agencies

(business, etc.)

– Personal requests (move military man closer to family, etc.)

• Part of oversight of Executive Branch

Helping the District or State

• “Pork-Barrel” legislation (public works)• Winning federal grants and contracts• Keeping federal projects

What is “Pork Barrel” legislation?Post officesDamsMilitary basesHarbor and river improvementsFederal highwaysVeterans’ hospitalsMass transit projects

Helping the District or State

Examples:

Lockheed-Martin gets a contract to build a new jet.

Perot Systems get a contract to build computers for the navy.

Helping the District or State