Do You Have a Senator?

If you live in one of the 50 states, you have two US Senators. The only Americans without senators are those who live in Washington, DC (nearly 600,000 of us!) and those who live in US territories such as Puerto Rico and Guam. If you live in a US Territory, you do not pay federal tax. In Washington, DC, we DO pay federal tax. This is why our license plates say "Taxation Without Representation."

Would you give up your voice in the senate to live in the capital city?
If you live in one of the states, and your family moves to Washington, DC, you'll lose your voice in the Senate. But if you live in any other democracy in the world, you don't lose your representation by living in the capital. If you live in the your state capital, you don't lose your representation in your state, either. Kids in Sacramento have as much say in California lawmaking as kids in Los Angeles.

Is it important to have two senators? Most people think it is important to have senators, and most people believe that everyone should have equal rights. Some people say that DC should not have senators. Some Senators even think so! What do you think? Ask around and find out what your family, friends, neighbors or teachers think.