Congress and College

I've read somewhere that not all members of Congress have attended college. Is that true? If so, do you think it's necessary for a person intending to get into politics and aspire to be a member of Congress to go to college? Would it make a difference in their political career if they did or didn't go to college?

It's true that not all members of Congress have attended or graduated from college. However, the vast majority of them do hold at least a bachelor's degree, and many have advanced degrees. A survey done at the beginning of the 116th Congress in 2019 revealed that only 5% lacked a college degree.

Although high levels of education are common among members of Congress, it's important to note that going to college is not a prerequisite for serving in Congress. The Constitution does not mandate any educational qualifications for the House or Senate. The requirements for both chambers simply state that a candidate must be a U.S. citizen, meet a certain age requirement (25 for the House, 30 for the Senate), and live in the state they wish to represent.

As for whether going to college makes a difference in a political career, it's hard to provide a definitive answer. On the one hand, a college education can provide many benefits, such as the opportunity to gain in-depth knowledge in a particular field, the chance to develop critical thinking and analytical skills, and the chance to establish a wide network of connections. Also, having a degree can help when it comes to credibility with voters, particularly if your degree is in a field related to law or policy.

On the other hand, many critical traits for a successful political career, like charisma, a deep understanding of the issues that matter to constituents, and the ability to communicate effectively, may not be things one learns in a college classroom. Experience in the workforce, local government, or community service can also be incredibly valuable.

Ultimately, each individual's path to a political career will look different, and whether or not college plays a role in that journey can vary greatly. What seems to matter most is one's dedication to public service and a strong grasp of the issues impacting their constituents.