Kids' Page

Welcome to the Fun Zone! I have designed this page especially for kids with the hope that you will take an interest in the way our federal government works. The only way a democracy can truly be effective is if its citizens take an active role and make it work for them. That's tough to do if you're not informed about what's going on or don't understand how democracy works.

I have listed fun facts about Congress below. I've also included copies of important documents for you to read and study, such as the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, the Federalist Papers and the Declaration of Independence. In addition, I've listed fun pages from different government agencies giving you a taste of what each one does.

I certainly hope you don't think that the federal government is something only adults can influence. You are the leaders of tomorrow and you have a responsibility to participate in government to make it work. And just because you can't vote yet doesn't mean you don't count. I serve ALL the people in the 14th District, including kids like you. I encourage you to contact me and let me know how you feel on issues and use your time in school to get a better understanding of how democracy works.

Kids should keep these tips in mind while on-line:

  1. Do not give out personal information such as your full name, email address, address, telephone number, parents' work address/telephone number, or the name and location of your school without your parents' permission.
  2. Tell your parents right away if you come across any information that makes you feel uncomfortable.
  3. Never agree to get together with someone you "meet" online without first checking with your parents. If your parents agree to the meeting, be sure that it is in a public place and bring your mother or father along.
  4. Never send a person your picture or anything else without first checking with your parents.
  5. Do not respond to any messages that are mean or in any way make you feel uncomfortable. It is not your fault if you get a message like that. If you do, tell your parents right away so that they can contact the Internet service provider.
  6. Do not give out your Internet password to anyone (even your best friends) other than your parents.
  7. Be a good on-line citizen and do not do anything that hurts other people or is against the law.

As always, parents should supervise their children's online activities. Take a look at the links below for more information on how to keep children safe:

Facts About Congress

The House of Representatives

  • The House is made up of 435 Members from around the nation. Each Member represents an average of 650,000 people in the total population (NOTE: our state has a total of 29 Members in the House while a state like California has 52 and a state like Montana only has 1 !!!)
  • In addition to the 435 Members, there are also delegates from Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the Virgin Islands, and the District of Columbia.
  • All House Members are elected every two years.
  • You must be at least 25 years old to be elected to the House.
  • You must have been a citizen of the United States for 7 years.
  • You must be an inhabitant of the state from which elected.
    (NOTE: custom, but not the Constitution, requires that a representative live in the district that he or she represents.)
  • The Speaker is the leader of the House of Representatives and is addressed as "Madam Speaker." She is third in line for the Presidency, behind the Vice President and the President.
  • For a description of where the House meets, please visit the Office of the Clerk

The Senate

  • The Senate is made up of 100 Senators, two from each state.
  • Senators are elected every six years. One-third of the Senate is up for re-election in any given election.
  • You must be at least 30 years old to be elected to the Senate.
  • You must have been a citizen of the United States for 9 years.
  • You must be an inhabitant of the state from which elected.
  • The Vice-President is the President of the Senate and is addressed as "Mr. President". He casts the deciding vote in case of a tie.

Fun and Interesting Links