Watch the videos below and answer the questions that follow.

On January 4, 2007, Nancy Pelosi was elected Speaker of the House of Representatives. Nancy Pelosi had represented California's 8th district, which includes much of Silicon Valley, since 1987. In the fall of 2002, she was voted Democratic Leader of the House of Representatives, the first woman in American history to lead a major party in the United States Congress.

Nancy Pelosi on Democratic Reign Nancy Pelosi from BigThink.com

Do you feel that Nancy Pelosi is doing an effective job as Speaker of the House of Representatives? Why or why not? Do you think her comments above are valid? Explain your answer in terms of the discussion of Congress in your textbook.

George John Mitchell is a former Democratic party politician and United States senator from Maine who currently serves as chairman of the worldwide law firm DLA Piper and also as the Chancellor of the Queen’s University in Belfast, Northern Ireland.

What will it take to close the partisan rift in Congress? George Mitchell BigThink.com

Do you agree with George Mitchell that the United States is still very divided politically? Why or why not? With the Democrat-controlled House and Senate now in place, do you witness the sort of continued partisan politics that Mitchell refers to? Explain your answer in terms of the chapter coverage of Congressional partisanship in your textbook.

In addition to following the foibles of presidential candidates, political satire also extends to portrayals of Congress. Congressional gridlock and the legislative process have long been a target of satirical commentary. The following videos are examples of this brand of political humor.

“Newt Gingrich” Saturday Night Live NBC First aired January 14, 1995

Rep. Gary Nelson (R-CT) Introduces The Gary Nelson Personal Pay Raise Bill The Onion News Network

Explain how the above two videos are parodies of the legislative process. What makes them humorous? How do the portrayals above contrast with actual congressional legislation that takes place on the floor of the House and Senate? How do the above videos resemble the legislative process?