March 2008 Survey

Using a grade of A to F, please grade the current Congress' performance in the following areas:

1. How would you grade Congress on carrying out effective oversight of the President and executive branch?

2. How would you grade Congress on conducting its business in a careful, deliberate way?

3. How would you grade Congress on holding its members to high ethical standards?

4. How would you grade Congress on keeping excessive partisanship in check?

5. How would you grade Congress on controlling the influence of special interest groups?

6. How would you grade Congress on considering the long–term implications of policy issues, not just short–term effects?

7. How would you grade Congress on representing the American people?

Using a grade of A to F, please grade American citizens in the following areas:

8. How would you grade American citizens on following what is going on in Congress?

9. How would you grade American citizens on contacting members of Congress on issues that concern them?

10. How would you grade American citizens on voting in congressional elections?

11. How would you grade American citizens on understanding the main features of Congress?

12. Is it better for Congress to pass legislation quickly and efficiently, or take the time to consider issues thoroughly and carefully?

13. Should members of Congress stand up for their principles no matter what, or compromise with their opponents in order to get something done?

14. How much of an impact does the work of Congress have on your life?

15. Do members of Congress listen and care about what people like you think?

16. Are members of Congress honest people, of good character?

17. How often do members of Congress discuss and act on issues that matter to you?

18. Do members of Congress listen more to the lobbyists, or to the voters back home?

19. Do you hear from members of Congress regularly, or only around election time?

20. Would you be more likely to contact a member of Congress by letter or by email?

21. Would it be better for members of Congress to provide information to citizens through mailings or through their website?

22. Would it be better for members of Congress to use mail–in questionnaires or online surveys to get your opinion on issues before Congress?

23. Would you be more likely to attend a public meeting held by a member of Congress or participate in an online, virtual forum?

24. Please rank the following characteristics on the order of importance in what you look for in a Member of Congress.