Congress is a mess, and it’s been a mess for quite a long time. A large percentage of Americans today are completely dissatisfied with Congress, as shown by the disturbingly low rating of sixteen percent. Even the parties have found themselves divided when it comes to Congress, as “eighty-four percent of Republicans don’t believe Congress represents their views”. As one can imagine, this is extremely frustrating for everyone. And it seems that some people are taking advantage of this frustration for their own purposes. The current Republican candidate that everyone is talking about is Donald Trump, and despite the fact his proposals and ideas are not well thought out, “Trump leads the polls at eighteen percent”. And while this number is not huge, it does show how voters are thinking. Trump is loud and angry, and it seems that with the current frustration with how congress is working, many conservative voters seem to be of the same mind as Trump, and seem to be invested with his extreme point of view.
Questions: What do you think of congress? Do you feel satisfied with Congress? If not, what would you do to change it? Who do you think is the candidate most likely to win the primaries for the Republicans? For the Democrats?
I think Congress, especially the Senate is largely inefficient. Congress is too fixed up in the progress of their own party and ideals that they lose sight of the bigger picture. These smaller conflicts overshadow the needs of the country as a whole and prevent a lot of needed legislation from being passed. We are at a virtual standstill with the Democrats and Republicans facing off. I am unsatisfied with Congress. I don't know how I would change Congress. If anything, I would pick a president that I know could encourage cooperation between the two parties and work from there. Changing the whole system might just make things more complicated. I think Donald Trump may win for Republicans. I hope Bernie Sanders pulls ahead of Hilary but she appeals to more moderate and conservative democrats so I would think that she'd win the Democratic nomination.
ReplyDeleteI believe, as a whole, Congress has gotten more and more partisan over the past decades. Congressmen and women are simply playing to the most vocal, fringe groups in their districts and States in order to get reelected. In addition, the art of deal making and compromise, I think, has to some degree been forgotten. While it is often merited to debate different viewpoint, at some point an agreement has to be reached, instead of simply throwing a tantrum and allowing the government to shut down as some senators in the past have done. Unfortunately, I do not see this dynamic changing anytime soon, as both parties are preoccupied in achieving dominance at the expense of the other party, meanwhile more and more Corporate money flows into elections as a result of the deregulation of Campaign Finance. In this election cycle, I see Marco Rubio taking the Republican nomination because of his establishment support and grassroots appeal. On the Democratic side, I believe Clinton will win, however, Sanders will remain a tough challenge in some states for the remainder of the primary.
ReplyDeleteI think congress, lately, has been a real buzz kill because all you hear about them is how they complain and throw fits and disagree with the president. I do agree that being a congress man or woman is a hard job to do but your an adult and you must learn to compromise in order to make everyone happy and not just yourself. As for the presidential race, I believe that Hilary will take the crown for the democrats and for the republicans, I can't say but I hope its not Trump.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Aina in that I think that congress, as a whole is incredibly inefficient. The framers intentionally left gaps in the constitution regarding passing bills and legislation, yet those gaps are still not filled. The process of passing a bill or making a constitutional amendment is rightfully a long and treacherous process, however in turn there has been a huge lack in action and change which has thus caused a lot of dissatisfaction among the general public.
ReplyDeleteI think much dissatisifaction with Congress seems to stem from Congress' focus on their own party compared to having a focus fixed on all the people and incorporating the ideals of each party. Their fixed mindset leads to much controversy over more insufficient problems and prevent much needed legislation for the overall country from being passed. I don't have any immediate solutions to fixing Congress, yet I do believe a president who is willing to appeal to both sides and encourage compromise will be beneficial for the country and will get needed bills passed.
ReplyDeleteI think that, especially in the past few years, congress has become increasingly inefficient, as they focus too much on the ideas of their own parties instead of what the people want. Especially with our relatively liberal president, Congress is being divided by those who support him and those who are against him. With so many outside influences, such as lobbyists, it is difficult for Congress to be objective.
ReplyDeleteAs a member of Congress, you have the job and opportunity to do what's best for the country and help lead the generations into a brighter future. That means compromising and finding solutions to problems, especially with the president, finding middle ground that will lead to actions that create a greater United States. Currently none of that is happening in Congress and the only thing happening is frustration and arguing with nothing getting done. Congress is inefficient and it desperately needs help. I have no solutions on how to make such a change, all I know it that change is very much needed. As for the election, I believe the Republican party is a debate between Trump and Rubio, while the Democrats is mainly Hilary with Sanders close behind.
ReplyDeletePersonally, I wish there was less manipulative behavior and scheming tactics in congress. I found the film about ObamaCare to be very eye opening about the log rolling and such that can take place in congress. I very much agree with what Sage said about the role of a congressperson- You have an opportunity to change the world. It seems unfortunate that our congresspeople are not capable of acting any way other than to serve their own interests.
ReplyDeleteI believe that congress is very unproductive, it is up to the people in congress to stay motivated to better the lives of the American people and not let politics get in the way. Since 1947 there have been six congresses with divided party control, this also has something to do in part of the unproductiveness of congress. By not having a party to support you and your ideas its very hard to get things passed and discussed. However you also have to want to make things happen, not just sit there.
ReplyDeleteAs of late, Congress does not seem to be doing much. They are in constant gridlocks with no real decisions being made. This mainly has to do with the fact that there is currently a divided government so conflicting views are present in every congressional discussion with the President. Manipulative behavior is also a big problem within congress making it hard to believe anyone. I do not feel satisfied with government and we need to make a more peaceful and understanding environment in congress. For Republicans I believe that Donald Trump will win and for Democrats I believe Bernie Sanders is going to win.
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