Social Studies Lab

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What percent of U.S. Congress members are millionaires?

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Critical Analysis

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

  1. According to Open Secrets, as of 2020, over half of Congress were millionaires. According to the visual above, about what percent of Americans are millionaires?

  2. What is the big story this infographic tells?

  3. What most surprised you about this infographic?

  4. Why do you think such a high percentage of Congress is so much more wealthy than the average American?

  5. What is a consequence of Congress being dramatically wealthier than the average American?

  6. If the average wealth of congress were the same as the average American, how would that change the kids of laws the Congress passed?

  7. In the comments section, explain whether the US is more of a democracy (government by the people, for the people, and of the people) or a plutocracy (government by the wealthy, for the wealthy, and of the wealthy):

  8. In Filthy Rich Politicians, conservative columnist Matt Lewis presents some startling figures. Senator Rick Scott: net worth of approximately $200 million. Representative Michael McCaul: $125 million. Nancy Pelosi: $46 million. In his book, Lewis takes a close look at how people get richer after they're elected to office, and what this wealth means for our political systems. Some would say that it is better to elect a rich person than an average person to Congress. How would you respond to that claim.

  9. In Filthy Rich Politicians, Matt Lewis writes that politicians are, “enriching their friends and family along the way. Maxine Waters paid her daughter more than $80,000 out of campaign coffers. That's just one year. Ilhan Omar has directed millions of dollars to her husband's consulting firm. And in 2012, Ron Paul - Republican Congressman Ron Paul - paid at least six different members of his family a total of more than $300,000. And so in this case, the money is being paid to family members, and I think it's really eroding trust in our elected officials.” Explain whether there is a connection between trust in politicians and the money they dole out to their family members.

  10. In addition to people who come to congress with great wealth, some members of congress see their wealth increase because of their time in office. Two-term Rep. Paul Mitchell (R-Mich.) saw the largest growth in wealth between 2017 and 2018. The former for-profit college executive’s average net worth skyrocketed from $101 million to nearly $180 million. Some longtime members of Congress watched their wealth rise to record levels in 2018. Rep. Collin Peterson (D-Minn.) was worth an estimated $123,500 in 2008. The House Agriculture Committee chairman’s average net assets stood at $4.2 million as of his most recent financial disclosure. Rep. Judy Chu (D-Calif.) was worth less than six figures in 2008. One decade later her estimated net worth sat at $7.1 million. Sen. Roy Blunt (R-Mo.) increased his wealth from $602,000 to $10.7 million over the last decade. Make a claim about whether there should be more restrictions on politicians generating wealth during their time in office.

    Visual Extension

Action Extension

Call the capitol switchboard at 202-224-3121 and ask to speak with your House Representative or Senator. Ask them or their staff if they are a millionaire. Share their response with your classmates.

Learning Extension

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