Government and Development of Public Policy
Name:________________________
Mrs. Banas
40 points
Congress & Pork Barrel Research Assignment
Directions: Use the Internet to obtain information to answer the following questions. Make
sure your answers are comprehensive and coherent.
1. Define pork barrel spending. (1 point)
2. Find out the following information:
a. Go to www.house.gov Find the list of standing House of Rep. Committees.
Pick 3 and explain their major function. Research and explain one issue
recently before each of those committees. (6 points)
b. Go to www.senate.gov Find the list of standing Senate Committees. Pick 3
and explain their major function. Research and explain one issue recently
before each of those committees. (6 points)
3. Go to “Citizens Against Government Waste” website (www.cagw.org ). Go to Reports.
Click on “Congressional Pig Book”
a. Read the 2014 Big Book Summary (Click on pdf file for a more readable file).
From 4 areas in the appropriation summary, pick 4 specific projects.
Summarize the people involved, the amounts received, and the projects.
(12 points)
4. Find a site or post concerned about pork barrel spending reform (besides cagw).
a. List the site you selected and the organization who publishes it. (2 points)
b. Summarize in a well-written paragraph what positions the website holds.
Include details from the site that illustrates the site’s views. (5 points)
5. Find your congressional district & your U.S. Congressperson. Go to his/her website.
a. Find out and explain a piece of legislation they have been recently involved
with, what constituent services they offer, and on what committees they serve.
(3 points)
b. Create an email to them explaining the following: (5 points)
 You are currently a student at Palisades High School in a senior level
Government class.
 An inquiry about issues they are concerned with in Washington that will
have a direct impact on you.
Students may select any type of format in which to present the required information
for final submission.
Due Date:_______________________________________
Government and Development of Public Policy
Mrs. Banas
Name:________________________
Congress & Pork Barrel Research Assignment
Component
Point Value
Part 1: Definition
____/1
Part 2a: House Committee 1
House Committee 2
House Committee 3
Part 2b: Senate Committee 1
Senate Committee 2
Senate Committee 3
____/2
____/2
____/2
____/2
____/2
____/2
Part 3a: Project 1
Project 2
Project 3
Project 4
____/3
____/3
____/3
____/3
Part 4a: Site & Publisher
Part 4b: Site Summary
____/2
____/5
Part 5a: Congressperson Info.
Part 5b: E-mail
____/3
____/5
Final Grade on all Components
____/40