The people are the voice of the government with their thoughts spoken most eloquently when they vote. However, the voice of the people can be heard directly on issues that interest them via mail, e-mail, or telephone. While many would find it difficult to know how to begin to write to their state senator or congressperson, the Internet has made it relatively easy. The Web sites below provide the names of state senators and congresspersons as well as a list of issues being discussed in congressional committees. One site gives specific information on the etiquette of addressing and writing members of congress.

For this exercise, you will be asked to write an e-mail letter to your state senator explaining your views either on the government's environmental policy, the missile defense proposal, or educational issues and asking his or her help in sponsoring legislation that supports your point of view. Write to the senator you feel will be most sympathetic to your cause. Be sure to read the guidelines for writing letters and addressing members of congress first. Use the e-mail form provided below rather than the form provided on the senator's Web page; send a copy to your professor at the same time.

http://www.visi.com/juan/congress/cgi-bin/buildpage.cgi?state=ct
Phone numbers and e-mail addresses of all congresspersons and state senators

http://www.senate.gov/senators/senator_by_state.cfm
Senators listed alphabetically by state

http://www.senate.gov/senators/index.cfm
Senators listed alphabetically by name

http://congress.org/
Members of congress, current congressional issues, tips on communicating with members, writing letters, telephoning