"Suppose you were an idiot, and suppose you were a member of Congress; but I repeat myself"

Mark Twain's quote is an amusing method of explaining the absurdity of the American political system. He suggests that the two functions of an idiot and a member of Congress are interchangeable, suggesting that the members of Congress are very little smarter than an idiot. This quote is a criticism of the lack of intelligence and knowledge of the members of Congress, and how they are not doing their task properly. It is likewise a commentary on the state of American politics, and how it is frequently filled with corruption and incompetence. Twain's quote is a pointer that the people in power should be held to a greater standard, which the residents should be more involved in the political procedure. It is a call to action for residents to be more aware of the issues and to hold their representatives accountable.