Becoming a Senator is a long-term dream. For those aspiring to become a Senator, many of them usually run for a Congressional seat first. This is because the Congress is a good training ground for future Senators. The Congress almost has the same responsibilities as a Senator, but a little lesser authority. By becoming a Congressman first, prior to running for the Senate, you can have the experience that your distracters will dig in. Nonetheless, being a Congressman will familiarize you with the flow of politics. So how to become a Congressman?
The Article 1 of the Constitution of the United States has provisions for a Congress of elected officials made up of the Senate and the House of Representatives. The Congress has the responsibility of organizing the executive and judicial branches, raising revenue, declaring war, and making the laws necessary to execute these powers.
1. Be Educated.
An aspiring Congressman must be at least 25 years old, a citizen of the United States for at least 7 years and live in the state you wish to represent. While they say that experience is the best teacher, education is still, by far, a very important aspect of becoming a congressman. To become a congressman, most people would think that it is likely to study Politics, however, Law, Governance and Social Issues are also important.. These are also some of the areas of study you might want to look for. In addition to this, getting a Master’s Degree from a good school and at times, a PhD would really help. In cases where you decide to study Law, make sure to pass the Bar exams and get high grades as much as possible. A politician should always be above average.
2. Be Affiliated.
Knowing yourself means knowing what you stand for. Research on the political parties’ views on issues and be affiliated with your chosen political party. You also have to start forming you campaign committee. Your campaign committee could involve your family or your former colleagues. Ask them to recruit more as the time passes. Next, assign your Campaign Manager. He will be the one who is overall in charge of your campaign.
3. Understand The Needs Of Your Constituents.
Humanity is something you can learn from the Academe, but it is the application that really matters. Your constituents should be your topmost priority, not yourself. Remember that your supporters will be the ones campaigning for you the most; Make sure to never let them down, especially after achieving the position. In cases of tragedies, be sure to prioritize the most important needs rather than giving yourself much publicity. Remember that your constituents can easily make or break you, as much as your electoral party. You need publicity to win. Make sure to schedule attending fund-raising events, and make yourself visible.
4. Paperworks
Filling for candidacy will involve paper works. Be sure to complete your requirements and fill out the necessary forms for candidacy.
5. Keep Your Promises
While it is quite certain that almost everyone running for the Congress is hoping to become a Senator, it is very important that you keep your promises, or at the very least, fight for them. During the campaigns, make sure to give heartfelt speeches, and to avoid making people believe in the impossible. Once seated, your constituents will look out for your promises, and will take every broken promise against you. Again, it can shatter your dreams of becoming so much more, or at least keeping your position.
Being a Congressman is a noble job. You are given the privilege to speak for your constituents; Use this to really voice out their concerns; remember that you are elected by your people, and as much as possible, put them first. Never fail them, because once you do, you will lose all hopes of achieving a higher position. How to become a congressman? It’s not easy, but it’s worth it. package can reach as much as $1,000,000. A well known lobbyist, Richard Pollack was said to have made $1,087,024 while Bill Tauzin, a former Congressman from Louisiana was said to have made $2,000,000 during his stint as the president of the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America.
Author Bio
Martin is a law student studying at a leading university in New Castle. He has a passion for blogging and writing resourceful articles on political views. He has written this resourceful article on how to become a congressman.