Chapter 25 – Serving in Congress & the Ohio General Assembly

Elected officials in the United States Congress and state legislatures create the laws and many of the policies that govern our nation and individual states.

Members of Congress, including U.S. Senators and Representatives, are responsible for drafting, debating, and voting on federal laws that affect every aspect of American life—from national security to healthcare to education.

Similarly, state legislators work within their state to address issues that directly impact their state’s residents, such as education funding, transportation, and public safety. In Ohio, the state legislature is called the General Assembly. These elected officials are are representatives of the people, tasked with making decisions that reflect the needs and values of their constituents—or the people who reside within their electoral district.

Behind every elected official in Congress or the General Assembly are legislative staffers who provide critical support. A legislative staffer is a professional who assists lawmakers by conducting research, drafting bills, managing the lawmaker’s schedule, and communicating with constituents. They gather the information and expertise needed to make informed decisions on complex issues.