How Members of Congress Communicate with their Younger Constituents
Axios reporter Sara Fischer discussed how members of Congress reach out to younger voters using social media such as Twitter and Snapchat. She analyzes the differences in styles of communication on social media.
Description
With the popularity of social media platforms such as Twitter, Snapchat and Facebook, members of Congress have adopted new strategies to communicate with their constituents. Specifically, younger voters are relying more on social media to get their news and information. In order to reach these constituents, members of Congress have made concerted efforts to use social media. This lesson explores the ways that Congress members communicate with younger constituents and has students research and evaluate individual members of Congress and their Twitter accounts.
Procedures
WARM-UP:
Have the students answer the following question before beginning the lesson.
- How do elected officials connect with the people who they represent?
INTRODUCTION:
Have the students view the following video clip and answer the questions below. Review the answers with the students to address any misconceptions.
Video Clip: How Members of Congress Communicate with their Younger Constituents (3:58)
- How do members of Congress generally communicate with voters? What are obstacles with getting these messages to younger voters?
- Why does Sara Fischer suggest that members of Congress take advantage more of Snapchat?
- Explain how political communication has changed recently.
- What does Ms. Fischer mean by younger people "craving authenticity?" Do you agree with this?
EXPLORATION:
Have the students go to C-SPAN's Congressional Chronicle website. They should go to the "Members" tab halfway down on the site. On the Members site, have them search for two members of the House of Representatives and two Senators who have Twitter handles listed in their biographies. Using their Twitter account and their biographies, have them evaluate the members of Congress and their use of Twitter by completing the handout.
APPLICATION:
Have the students pick one of the members of Congress that they researched. Have them evaluate strengths and weaknesses of how that member of Congress uses Twitter and how effective he/she is at appealing to younger voters. Come up with strategies that can help the Congressperson better use social media and connect with younger voters.
EXTENSION ACTIVITIES:
Political Social Media Exploration- Pick one of the members of Congress that you researched earlier. Research to see if they use other social media platforms (Instagram, Facebook, etc…). Compare the use of the different platforms and evaluate the effectiveness of these social media platforms.
Additional Writing Prompts-
- What are benefits and drawbacks of members of Congress using social media to communicate with younger constituents?
- In your opinion, which strategy of communication works best with younger voters? What strategies do not work?
Additional Resources
- Bell Ringer: How Members of Congress Communicate with Younger Constituents
Axios reporter Sara Fischer discussed how members of Congress reach out to younger voters using social media such as Twitter and Snapchat. She analyzes the differences in styles of communication on social media.
- Lesson Plan: The Powers of Congress
In this lesson, students will learn about the powers of Congress, how they have evolved throughout history, and their impact on public policy.
Vocabulary
- Authenticity
- Capitol Hill
- Congress
- Constituents
- Disseminate
- Press Release
- Public Policy
- Snapchat
- Social Media