How Washington Works

Facts/Details:
1. 3.5 million people live in the Washington metropolitan area.
2. Politicians try to balance out time between their home states and Washington.
3. Congress works a short week,Monday afternoon to Friday morning.
4. The addiction to gaining power in politics is called "Potomac fever".
5. Politicians often do not have very deep friendships.
6. The department of housing and urban development is pronounced "HUD".
7. Congress often uses opinion surveys to stay in touch with voters.
8. Newcomers  form alliances to gain power.
9. Members of congress are friends with those outside of their political party.
10. People treat the word "politician" as a synonym for hypocrisy.

Questions:
1. Why did Carter have such a negative view of Washington?
2. Do all politicians really have a need to gain power?
3. What makes working in Washington so appealing?
4. How can Washington be disconnected from the country when everything they deal with has to do with the country?
5. Are opinion surveys as effective as meeting with constituents?
6. Why do people view politicians so negatively?
7. Is it awkward that members of congress are friends with those who openly disagree with their views?
8. Is it hard to gain any power in Washington without succumbing to all the political games?
9. How often do members of congress need to be in Washington?
10. Does the author accurately describe Washington?