Student Web Activity Lesson Plans

Chapter 6: Development of Congressional Powers

Introduction
In The Federalist, No. 51, James Madison wrote: "If men were angels, no government would be necessary. If angels were to govern men, neither external nor internal controls on government would be necessary. In framing a government which is to be administered by men over men, the great difficulty lies in this: you must first enable the government to control the governed; and in the next place oblige it to control itself." In this activity, students will learn how Congress has provided standards for ethics, and punishments for violating those standards.

Lesson Description
Students will explore the Web site "Ethics Manual for Members, Officers, and Employees of the U.S. House of Representatives." They will read information about general ethics and answer four questions. They will then write an outline of their own "Ethics Handbook."

Instructional Objectives

Learners will identify standards of conduct and ethics in the House of Representatives.
Learners will identify punishments for House members who violate standards of ethics.
Learners will create an outline for an "ethics handbook" for public servants.

Student Web Activity Answers

Sample answers (any three): "House members shall receive no compensation nor shall he permit any compensation to accrue to his beneficial interest from any source, the receipt of which would occur by virtue of influence improperly exerted from his position in the Congress. House members shall not accept gifts (other than personal hospitality of an individual or with a fair market value of $100 or less) in any calendar year aggregating more than $250, directly or indirectly, from any person (other than from a relative). House members shall accept no honorarium for a speech, writing for publication, or other similar activity. House members shall convert no campaign funds to personal use in excess of reimbursement for legitimate and verifiable campaign expenditures and shall expend no funds from his campaign account not attributable to bona fide campaign or political purposes. House members shall retain no one under his payroll authority who does not perform official duties commensurate with the compensation received in the offices of the employing authority. House members shall not discharge or refuse to hire any individual, or otherwise discriminate against any individual with respect to compensation, terms, conditions, or privileges of employment, because of such individual's race, color, religion, sex (including marital or parental status), age, or national origin, but may take into consideration the domicile or political affiliation of such individual."
Sample answers (any three): "Put loyalty to the highest moral principals and to country above loyalty to Government persons, party, or department. Uphold the Constitution, laws, and legal regulations of the United States and of all governments therein and never be a party to their evasion. Give a full day's labor for a full day's pay; giving to the performance of his duties his earnest effort and best thought. Seek to find and employ more efficient and economical ways of getting tasks accomplished. Never discriminate unfairly by the dispensing of special favors or privileges to anyone, whether for remuneration or not; and never accept for himself or his family, favors or benefits under circumstances which might be construed by reasonable persons as influencing the performance of his governmental duties. Make no private promises of any kind binding upon the duties of office, since a Government employee has no private word which can be binding on public duty. Engage in no business with the Government, either directly or indirectly which is inconsistent with the conscientious performance of his governmental duties. Never use any information coming to him confidentially in the performance of governmental duties as a means for making private profit. Expose corruption wherever discovered. Uphold these principles, ever conscious that public office is a public trust."
Violations of these standards may lead to a fine or imprisonment, or both. In some instances, such as conversion of Government funds or property to one's own use or false claims concerning expenses or allowances, the Department of Justice may seek restitution.
In 1798, Matthew Lyon spit on Roger Griswold during a vote. A letter of apology was sent; nevertheless, the Committee of the Whole heard the evidence and recommended expulsion. The vote fell two short of the two-thirds majority necessary to expel a member.
Students' handbooks should list various actions that constitute ethical and unethical behavior. Encourage students to also list punishments for violating ethical behavior.