Take a look at our Constitution, specifically Article One, Section Eight, which describe the powers granted to Congress, our national legislative branch.
Based upon these 18 powers/responsibilities please share what qualifications or experience do you believe members of our legislative branch should have in order to carry out these powers well.
As is our practice, comment below and then reply to the comments of two others.
I think that members of our legislative branch need to have some previous legal experience, or something else that involves working and negotiating with different groups of people. Additionally, they should have a college education, so they can deal with trade and monetary issues. Last but not least, I think that members of our legislative branch should come from different backgrounds, so they offer unique perspectives on problems.
ReplyDeleteJalilah wrote this. I was logged into the wrong email when I sent it and that's why it came up as unknown.
DeleteI completely agree with these qualifications!
DeleteI agree that there should be diversity because then more people will feel like they can relate with the government and feel more safe.
DeleteI agree that being well educated on these subjects should be held by members of the legislative branch.
DeleteI agree. The backgrounds of the members of the legislative branch should reflect the demographic of the country. Diversity is so important.
DeleteI agree. Diversity can help make any decisions as fair as they can be.
DeleteI agree, if not everyone is represented then how can it truly speak for the will of the people.
DeleteI agree, all of these qualifications make a lot of sense.
DeleteI think the point about different backgrounds is really interesting, but how do we regulate that? How do we ensure that there is diversity? Wouldn't it be up to the people to decide who they want to vote for? It is obviously super important, and I wonder how it would work.
DeleteI agree that the person should have experience with negotiations, and there should be a decent amount of diversity.
DeleteI believe some qualifications that our legislative branch should have, is at least 10 years experience of some degree pertaining to law, should be at least 25-30 years old, and should be a US citizen residing in the state they want to represent.
ReplyDeleteI agree that age is important! I didn't think about that, but a minimum and perhaps even maximum age are essential to ensure experience and capabilities.
DeleteI think a minimum age is very important. As Jalilah wrote a maximum age may also be another important restriction to add.
DeleteI agree the age limit should be a part of the requirements.
DeleteI don't think a law degree should be necessary, as it's possible to be an effective lawmaker without attending law school, and many members of the current legislative branch have not. Additionally, enforcing a degree quota is classist as it means those who can't afford college or don't have the time are unable to run for office, no matter how influential they are.
DeleteI agree with a certain age limit. However, regardless of the age, the members should be well educated.
DeleteI don't agree, I think a law degree isn't necessary. I think that someone could be a good delegate without a law degree, and if people were forced to have a law degree would it be true representation? It could be quickly changed into a weapon to use against the working class and the poor who can't afford college.
DeleteI agree about residing in the state you are representing- I didn't think of that but it really makes the most sense and ensures that they are both accessible to and knowledgeable about the people they are representing.
DeleteI understand why a law degree may be helpful to a politician, but I think that requiring it limits the type of person who can run for office. Obviously they should be knowledgeable about laws and the legal system, but I think that if everyone in office has the same education and background, it doesn't allow for divers representation.
DeleteI like the law education, except for that I don't think it should 10 years, there shouldn't be a minimum amount of years of experience in law, but if there is still going to be a requirement on that, it should be lower.
DeleteI believe that some qualifications for our legislative branch should include being highly educated, having extensive experience in law, a clear record, and (overall) having a diverse legislative branch. Members of legislature should not have no stains on their record, and should have a thorough background check before taking their position. Overall, a legislative branch should not only be diverse in race and gender but also in social class. By doing so, the people making these incredibly important decision are not just the rich and powerful, but are representing all people in the United State in their decision.
ReplyDeleteI also said that there should be diversity in order to truly represent the American people. Also yes, having a clear record is important, but maybe we need to consider the severity of the crime before preventing someone from serving in the legislative branch because of it.
DeleteI agree that a qualification should be education because not being educated enough can lead to reckless actions that could've been easily avoided and not everyone may be qualified to being members of the legislative branch.
DeleteI agree with your point on having a clear record, but I also agree with Jalilah on considering the severity of the crimes of a potential member of the lb.
DeleteYes I agreee, with having a clear record, and the representation of all people within their state
DeleteI agree with Jalilah's point on how the severity of the crime should be reviewed.
DeleteI believe some qualifications the national legislative branch should have are to be educated on the country's history as it is important to know how our country has progressed, but also to learn the flaws our country has had so members of the legislative branch can avoid having the same flaws and can help the country grow rather than for them to create drawbacks.
ReplyDeleteI agree, history is why we are here, and understanding it (through education) is the best way to move forward, else it'll repeat itself.
DeleteYes I agree being educated on one's history is very significant.
DeleteI agree as well, too many times we see U.S. history, not even world history, repeat itself in the U.S, despite its 250 year history.
DeleteI think members of the legislative branch should be educated on economics and law, in order to most effectively write new laws into existence that would benefit the American people. Members of this branch should also be at least 30 years old, in order to give more time to get experienced with the law before actually joining the legislative branch.
ReplyDeleteI agree, and I like how you included an age limit as I didn't even consider.
DeleteI agree. Years of experience will be the best for the legislative branch.
DeleteI agree, I didn't think about age requirements, but its probably important to set one to ensure members are relatively well rounded adults.
DeleteThe qualifications the members of our legislative branch should have in order to carry out these powers is diversity in its members (of all backgrounds, races, and genders), an extensive education and experience in law, history, finance, and politics. These qualifications will help these members make the best possible decisions of our country, as all are charged with experience of all kinds and education.
ReplyDeleteDiversity among the legislative branch is something that should definitely be included, and its something I forgot to mention.
DeleteBased on the powers granted, members of the legislative branch should have legal and financial education/experience. The diversity of the members, whether it be based on race, socioeconomic status, religion, age, and others should also definitely be accounted for.
ReplyDeleteI agree on your point about diversity. A government serving the people should represent them in terms of its demographics.
DeleteI agree and slightly disagree. If a high level of education and experience is required, then diversity of socioeconomic status and age could be difficult to attain. While I agree with the sentiment of requiring certain levels of education/experience/etc, I don't think it's necessarily the best idea.
DeleteI believe the qualifications for members of the legislative branch should be short, but important and useful. If too many qualification requirements and restrictions are in place, the government stops being about the people as a whole and more about the people that could, for example, afford a law degree. The qualifications should probably only include being a legal adult, passing an official political literacy test, and passing a deep federal background check to ensure no one in office is a criminal. Beyond that, it should be up to the voters to decide who is best suited to be representing them and making laws. If someone is unqualified and does a bad job, they should be voted out, rather than artificially eliminated.
ReplyDeleteI agree. Members of the legislative branch need to be people who understand the law, not politicians who don't understand the people.
DeleteI agree that a law degree should not be necessary, but I do believe they should have possibly a background in economics or at least a strong understanding.
DeleteI believe that the political literacy test is especially significant in order to ensure that capable and responsible leaders are elected into government
DeleteI believe that the political literacy test is especially significant in order to ensure that capable and responsible leaders are elected into government
DeleteI believe that members of the legislative branch should have at least 5-10 years of experience in law and finances and the members should be diverse. With diverse members, the branch would be able to relate to everybody in America so that any important decisions made would be fair for everybody.
ReplyDeleteYes, I think that fair and informed decisions would be really important, especially with matters that concern an entire nation.
DeleteI agree, it is important to maintain diversity while also ensuring experience.
DeleteI think members of this branch of government should be well-informed, as well as having traits such as being rational, fair, and fluent in legalese. The wording seems very strange and someone would have to know what's going on in order to interpret the text.
ReplyDeleteYes, these are important
DeleteI agree, and they should work to translate the legalese into something all Americans can understand. Every citizen needs to be well informed.
DeleteI agree, these are very important.
DeleteI think the members of the legislative branch should have finance, accounting, and taxation knowledge. More importantly, it is critical for the members to be equipped with law and ordinance background. As frequently mentioned, the members should come from various professions and of different statuses.
ReplyDeleteYes, these are helpful qualifications.
DeleteI especially like your last qualification. A well-run government needs diversity of thought and experience.
DeleteI believe the members should be diverse in race, age and gender to represent everyone and they should have a background check of no illegal history. Also, they should have knowledge and experience.
ReplyDeleteI think that the necessary and proper clause is the most powerful and most important clause. It allows Congress to do things that are not explicitly given to them in the Constitution.
ReplyDeleteI accidentally published this, I think that a qualification someone should have is understanding a little bit about what this mean so they don't overreach their powers.
DeleteI believe the members of congress should be from different backgrounds. They should be well versed in the issues facing their America. The amount of power given to congress is immense, and when we let the makeup of congress reflect only one viewpoint, we damage America. I also believe that congress should include more young people than old. The young are better at thinking long term, because the future of America is their future. Because of this, they will fight to change America for the better, rather than the older politicians, who mostly maintain the system that gave them power. By keeping Congress full of young, informed, and diverse people, we look out for America's future and the future of all Americans. I also believe that any amount of lobbying should result in the Congressional official in question being fired immediately. America is a nation for and by the people, not the corporations.
ReplyDeleteThese are all requirements that I didn't really think about, I only thought of requirements of what knowledge the members should know about money and military.
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ReplyDeleteI think that members of congress should have some past legal experiences as well as being above an age of either 25-30 years old. These qualifications will allow them to make more calculated decisions.
ReplyDeleteI agree with this, age is important since they would naturally know more if they're older.
DeleteI agree cause along with age comes experience
DeleteI believe that members of congress should be required to have 5+ years of experience that demonstrates political/legal competency. This is important to ensure that the people that are elected are knowledgeable and able to do adequately represent the people. In addition, this allows their constituents to understand what they are like as a leader/politician.
ReplyDeleteThe members of the legislative branch should include people who know how to handle economy, like controlling the commerce going in and out of the county, and also people who know about military, as there is a large portion of this section that talks about military. I feel like economy and military are the most important things to know for the members in this section.
ReplyDeleteThe members of the legislative branch should have experience or a strong knowledge of the economy, as well as knowledge of foreign countries and popular trade items.
ReplyDeleteI agree, because if they don't they might cause future problems
DeleteI believe that qualifications members should have include years of government experience, about 10 years, and having members from all states. With experience, the members will know how to run a government properly. Members of all states would represent them, and put priority on their interests.
ReplyDeleteI agree its important to have that background experience and knowledge.
DeleteOther than a simple age restriction, there should only be one main qualification: voted in by the people. Diploma/experience requirements can often be classist, elitist, and prevent young people from being voted in. Government shouldn't just be for senior citizens of the upper class.
ReplyDeleteI somewhat agree—having government officials voted in by the people would uphold our democratic government.
DeleteI believe that the members of the legislative branch should be both diverse in age, race, and gender, but also well qualified in economics and military with at least 7-10 years of experience. Much like many of my peers, I agree with the idea that knowledgeable diverse group of people is the most effective way to lead a country, ensuring that oppression is less common or simply nonexistent, while making logical decisions with the input of various people with various cultures, ideas, and backgrounds.
ReplyDeleteYes, the more diverse the better, as more people will be represented. Having experience allows them to work more effectively while holding office.
DeleteI think it's important for a member of the legislative branch to be well educated, and to have prior legal, political and/or economic experience so that they will be able to competently carry out the job. I also things its important for the group to be diverse, as has been mentioned previously by others. I also think it's important, if a bit obvious, that members live in the state they represent so they can accurately represent their needs.
ReplyDeleteI think they should have prior of at least 5 years of legal experience or something around law just so when ruling or making rules or pitching ideas you know what ideas to put around, what's needed, what's an issue your familiar with the setting.
ReplyDeleteI agree, having prior experience would also allow them to work more effectively once they do go into office.
DeleteThe members of the legislative branch should be of at least 30 years and should have several years of government experience. They should also be from different ethnic and financial backgrounds in order to provide diversity and different perspectives.
ReplyDeleteI believe that the qualifications for being part of the legislative branch should include having a minimum of five years of experience in law, with a clean record, and versatility among their respected field of legislation. They should also not exceed the age of 60, as they have no reason to provide input for a future they may not live in. Having legislators from different racial, as well as educational backgrounds is important as it allows for different communities to have a voice of representation as well as having scientists and engineers providing important information that is usually overlooked by the government, rather than relying on bias.
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