Becoming an Informed Voter – Researching Your Congressional

The American Constitution guarantees the rights and liberties of all citizens of the United States. For instance, individuals are free to take part in elections and choose the leaders they want to hold particular posts. By an open and fair democratic process, citizens can express their desire for effective leadership. In order to participate in the democratic process as required by the constitution, it is their duty as voters to be informed. The electorates should hold the elected officials responsible for their representation and performance. Leaders ought to represent the interests of the electorates whom they made promises to during the campaigns. It is important that the citizens understand the bills and laws being passed by the legislative arm of the government. Candidates of the different political affiliation represent their party in all activities which sometimes may be in jeopardy with the interest of the people. A balance between representation and partisanship ought to prevail among the leaders if they are to be relevant with the electorates and their parties (Alvarez, Michael & Brehm., 2002). The USA has 435 congressional districts each having about 700,000 people. The districts elect representatives who can serve for 2 year terms. The states elect two senators who represent the states in the Senate of the United States. The term of senators is 6 year terms.

Florida Congressional District

Florida currently has 27 congressional districts which are represented by congressmen and congresswomen. The representations above are members of the House of Representatives in the US. The districts were increased from 25 in 2010 to 27 after the census which showed an increase in population and the 2012 reapportionment. The legislature approved the new districts despite the opposition by some groups such as Common Cause and the League of Women Voters. The Florida congressional districts are represented in the House of Representative by a team comprising of 16 Republicans and 11 Democrats.

The Fair District Amendments of 2010 received an overwhelming support of up to 63 % of the voters in Florida. This was in a bid to limit the Republicans dominance in the legislature and promote fairness in the districts. The amendment also prohibited the lawmakers from favors in mapping and making of policies. Over time the lawmakers and the legislature have had secret dealings which have not been in favor of the common good of all. A remedial plan by the Supreme Court in 2015 was approved which outlined the altered all the districting plans except for district 19, district 8 and district 1.

Matt Gaetz Congressman, Florida’s 1st Congressional District

Matt has been a congressman since January 3rd 2017. He was elected on a Republican ticket and since his election he has represented 1st district in the House of Representatives. The next congressional election in the 1st district will be held in 2018. Matthew Gaetz was born in 1982 In Hollywood, Florida. He is a son to a Politician named Don Gaetz who represented Northwest Florida in Senate (2006-2016). His father served as the Senate President from 2012 to 2014. In 2003 Matt graduated from Florida State University and from The College of William and Mary in the year 2007.

He joined in the race for Florida’s House of Representatives in 2010 after Ray Sansom resigned as a result of corruption charges. Matt ran for congress in the special election on a republican ticket defeating Jan Fernald who was the Democratic nominee. He became unopposed in the 2010 election where he served for a full term. After the reconfiguration of the House of Representatives in Florida in 2012, his district lost part of Santa Rosa County. That same year and in 2014 he was reelected.

Gaetz contributions in the legislature include his proposal with Senator Joe Negron to accelerate execution of inmates with death warranty who had exhausted their appeals. He joined hands with Senator Greg Evans to repeal the law that required 10% gasoline being sold in Florida to have ethanol. He has been in the center stage supporting law pursuit against criminal and often rally his supported on pertinent issues, for instance in the stand your ground hearing (Mitchell T., 2013). Matt is a determined politician and his ambitions are evident in his announcement that he will run for the Florida Senate seat once held by his father (Henderson, 2013).

Senate

Florida has two senators and the current senators: Bill Nelson (Democrat) and Marco Rubio (Republican) have been in power since January 2011. Historically, Florida State on 1845 was admitted to then Union and her senators were elected to occupy Classes 1 and 3. The class 1 senators were elected for an electoral cycle for three congresses which lasted six years. The senate seats became vacant in 1861 due to Florida’s Union secession. On 1868 it was again admitted into the Union and since it is one of iconic state of the United Sates of America.

Senator Bill Nelson:

Senator Bill Nelson is one true patriot of Florida. His family came from Panhandle in years 1829, his grandmother living in a spot which is currently Kennedy Space Center. In 1986 at a similar spot, he could get into the space for about six days going round the world onboard Columbia space shuttle. His view on the planet from the space revealing how the universe was one informed on his decision to lead and unite the Americans. From the experience, he is much a good reputational person who as a leader is moderate in terms of the partisan nature of politics in the world.

Nelson’s career life began with his public service job in 1972 when he was elected into the Florida legislature. The legislature served in full capacity for the six terms representing the Orlando and the Space Coast in the US Congress. He is known for his championship on the environmental protection and leadership in environmental conservation. His leadership progressed, and in 1994, he was elected as a state treasurer to the cabinet of Florida. Later on, he became the Insurance Commissioner and later – the Fire Marshal. He was dutiful in his positions and always solved problem using common sense and with regards to the consumers whom he represented them.

In November 2000, he was first elected into the Senate representing the state of Florida in the Senate. Having served at various positions in the insurance companies, his used his senatorial office to expose the lies that companies often concealed. He represented the interests of the businessmen in Wall Street, insurance companies and the Big Oil. Nelson exposed the lies that existed on Gulf spill that were put forward by the BP Company. His interest in space exploration is also evident in his creation of the blueprints for the space agency nationwide. In his third term he has show his diligence in fighting for better educational opportunities, low taxes, social security and health care.

To Nelson, public service is calling which is noble to him and he has purposely devoted his life into it. His love for the people is evident in the way he fight for the rights of the residents of the state of Florida and putting in place policies to help in enhancing their lives. Some of his career highlights include the following: In 2004 he won the federal assistance for the removal of debris from the public roads in Florida following the devastating effect of the hurricane. His helpful nature is evident in his fight for the victims of hurricanes Frances, Ivan, Jeanne, and Charley, all of which he secured federal aid amounting to $ 14.5 billion.

Nelson ensured that the legislations which were geared towards improving the lives of citizens and safeguarding their rights and freedoms were passed. He fought for the aging Baseball players ensuring that they were compensated on retirement. He put in place criminal penalties for criminals offenders involved in fraud, sex trafficking, theft and children rights infringements. In 2003, he amended the act which ensured that the consumers’ privacies are protected. His environmental protection is evident when he pushed the Defense Department to publish information on their chemicals and weapons testing.

In conclusion, informed voters are crucial in the creation of governance and creation of a system of checks and balance among the leaders. The electorates have power in their votes and can decide on whom to lead them. Education on governance is crucial in understanding more about the ruling class, their duties and the individual’s rights as voters. The constitution places sovereignty on the people and thus they should enjoy their rights and privilege in accordance with the statutory and federal laws. The state of Florida is one of developing states of the US. The electorates are optimistic on their leaders to make a difference in their life and propel development in the various districts. The senator and the congressmen should work hand in hand to formulate policies which are pro-development and promote equity among every citizen.

References

Alvarez, M., & Brehm, J. (2002). Hard choices, easy answers: Values, information, and American public opinion. Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press.

Alvarez, L. (2014). Judge rules G.O.P. illegally redrew Florida districts. New York Times. Retrieved 26 July 2014.

Cohen, R., & Barnes, J. (1972-2015). The Almanac of American Politics. Columbia Books and Informationa Services, Ballotpedia

Henderson, J. (2013). “Matt Gaetz makes it Official, Will Shoot for Dad’s Senate Seat in 2016.” Sunshine State News

Mitchell, T. (2013), “Matt Gaetz to rally base ahead of Stand Your Ground Hearing.” Tampa Bay Times.

"Senators of the United States 1789-Present, A chronological list of senators since the First Congress in 1789" (PDF). Senate Historical Office. April 17, 2015 Retrieved from: http://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/resources/pdf/chronlist.pdf

Senator Bill, Retrieved from: https://www.billnelson.senate.gov/about-bill

"The Florida Senatorship.” The New York Times. January 22, 1879. P. 1.