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Congressman Peterson visits Clarion University class

Congressman John Peterson speaks to the Congress and the Legislative Process class.

Congressman John Peterson (R-5) was a guest speaker for the Political Science 356 “Congress and the Legislative Process” class taught by Dr. Barry Sweet, professor of political science at Clarion University.

The course examines legislative institutions in the United States, which whether at the state or national level, are the centerpiece of the republican system. In the U.S., legislatures really legislate, whereas in most democracies they have much less input into the policy-making process. By being elected frequently in single-member districts, they are quite close to the people.

In the course, students begin to explore how U.S. legislatures help to make public policy. They focus on the U.S. Congress since it the most studied U.S. legislature and can provide important insights into the behavior of state legislatures.

Sweet invites both federal and state legislators to speak to his class because the legislative processes are so similar. State Senator Mary Jo White (R-21) is expected to speak to the class later in the semester.

Peterson, who served 19 years in the Pennsylvania legislature and the past 12 years in Congress, will be retiring at the end of his term. He explained his background to the students, including being unable to attend college, but through involvement in local politics advanced to his present elected position.

Calling his life, “exciting,” Peterson explained his stance on health care, technology education, and energy policy, which promotes an increase in production of natural gas. He also explained his opposition to placing tolls on Interstate 80.

Each student in the class is asked to select a member of the U.S. House of Representatives to research and write a paper about. The students then research their respective member’s political career path to the House, districts, committee assignments, unofficial organizations such as caucuses, bills sponsored, fund raising, party unity score, presidential support score, and interest group ratings.

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