Members are faced with hundreds of decisions in both recorded and unrecorded votes on matters major and minor. Each decision whether spontaneous or studied, balances the conflicting perspectives received from private citizens, public officials, and their Congressional colleagues . Decisions are often second-guessed by constituents, campaign opponents, colleagues, lobbyists and media critics. Meetings are continual - in committee rooms, in private offices, in corridors and in gatherings on the floor. Daily, sacks of mail are delivered, faxes flow and electronic mail jams computers.
Correspondence is written and press releases are issued.
Highly visible issues are debated on the House or Senate floor, fully televised, and the absence or presence of a Member is dully noted. Journalists seek comment. Constituents seek assistance obtaining federal grants, government jobs and help in overcoming bureaucratic obstacles. Over time, these daily tasks and the always changing expectations of the electorate have come together to establish a multi-faceted job. What follows is a series of activities that explore the many roles performed by a Member of Congress.