What percent of Americans approve of the way Congress is handling its job?

GoPo Lessons

Feb 20

Critical Analysis

Find answers to the following questions using the visual above, any links below, and your knowledge of American government and politics:

According to the visual above, what percent of the population approves of the way the current congress is handling its job?
Identify one trend from the chart above.
In your opinion what is Congress’ job, and do you approve of the way Congress is handling its job?
The new Congress convened at noon on January 3, 2025. Since then Congressional approval has increased dramatically, mostly because of a 42-point surge in approval among Republicans. Considering the current party makeup of both chambers of congress, explain why Republican support for congress has increased.
The lowest approval rating for Congress in modern times was in November 2013 with 9% approval. A student named Boris said that because 91% of Americans hated Congress that proved that the American people were united not divided. What do you think about Boris’ opinion?
President Trump currently has a 45% approval rating. Explain why Trump is almost twice as popular as Congress.
Explain how the way we elect the House (all House Members up for election every two years for 2 year terms) and the Senate (1/3 Senators up for election every 2 years for 6 year terms) impacts congress (dis)approval.
According to the visual below* how does political party affiliation impact congressional approval?
Imagine that you were unhappy with Congress. There are no congressional elections for almost two years. What are two ways that the public could express their opinion to Congress.
Some people have claimed that the legislative branch is not standing up to the President and is ceding (giving) their power up to the executive. Explain how the (dis)approval of Congress impacts its institutional power and ability to check the president.

Write and Discuss

Take ten minutes to write about the question at the top of the page and then discuss with your classmates.

Act on your Learning

Look through this list of members of the current 119th Congress. Do you approve of any of them? Contact your favorite member of Congress and tell them why you approve of the work they are doing. Contact your U.S. Senators and let you know what you think about the job they are doing. Here is a pdf of the phone number for every U.S. Senator.

Get Creative

I asked Gemini AI to compose a diss rap about congress. Here it is. See if you can come up with your own.

(Record scratch) Yo, mic check one two, let's talk about the Hill...

(Verse 1)
Congress, Congress, where do I begin?
A bunch of old timers, ain't no room for win
Gridlock and bickering, that's the daily grind
While the real issues get left behind
They're talkin' 'bout change, but they stay the same
Lobbyists whisperin', playin' their game
Pork barrel spending, pet projects galore
While the people are struggling, knockin' on their door

(Chorus)
Congress, you're slow, you're outta touch
Wrapped up in your power, ain't care too much
Filibusters and speeches that never end
While the nation's problems, you can't even mend
Got your own agendas, your own little schemes
Ignoring the voters, livin' in your dreams
But wake up, Congress, the people are watchin'
And your time in power, it's slowly notchin'

(Verse 2)
Divided we stand, that's your favorite phrase
Stuck in your parties, lost in a haze
Democrat, Republican, the same old fight
Forgetting the people, who deserve the light
You're supposed to represent, supposed to be fair
But it feels like a circus, with clowns everywhere
Debates gettin' heated, no progress is made
While the country's future is slowly decayed

(Bridge)
We need some action, we need some speed
To address the issues, plant the right seed
Stop the delayin', stop the charade
Make some decisions, before it's too late

(Outro)
So, Congress, listen, this ain't a game
The people are tired, of your endless claim
To power and glory, while we're left behind
It's time for some changes, open your mind.
Word.