written by Robert Murphy, Student
edited by Mr. Moreland
photo: plaque from the Costa Rican legislature building
edited by Mr. Moreland
photo: plaque from the Costa Rican legislature building
Looking back on Day 4
In the afternoon we interviewed the leader of the Costa Rican congress, Juan Carlos Mendoza, who is the youngest person in Costa Rica to hold this position. Through this interview I have learned that Costa Rica Congress is different than the U.S. congress because the Costa Rican congress consits of 57 members that repersent several different parties throughout the country. In the US there are only two major political parties; Costa Rica has many more.
Also the Costa Rican Congress has a viewing area for the public to listen to meetings and where they could put posters up to show what they support. Bullet proof glass separates the pubic viewing area from the congress meeting room and on the glass there are dents and scratches. It seems that some Ticos can become pretty angry during these meetings. The public viewing is open from 3 to 6 p.m. everday. Also in order for the congress to meet in a meeting they must have two-thirds of the representatives in the room (quorum) or they will call for another 5 minutes. After 5 minutes if two thirds of the representatives aren't in the room they will lock the door and dock the representatives pay if they are not in the room. I think that the U.S. goverment should representatives pay if they are not performing their duties. Hopefully this would make them actually get something done.
Also the Costa Rican Congress has a viewing area for the public to listen to meetings and where they could put posters up to show what they support. Bullet proof glass separates the pubic viewing area from the congress meeting room and on the glass there are dents and scratches. It seems that some Ticos can become pretty angry during these meetings. The public viewing is open from 3 to 6 p.m. everday. Also in order for the congress to meet in a meeting they must have two-thirds of the representatives in the room (quorum) or they will call for another 5 minutes. After 5 minutes if two thirds of the representatives aren't in the room they will lock the door and dock the representatives pay if they are not in the room. I think that the U.S. goverment should representatives pay if they are not performing their duties. Hopefully this would make them actually get something done.
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