"The Power Game-How Washington Works"

Facts/Details:

1. In the summer of 1979, President Carter described Washington as an island "isolated from the mainstream of our nation's life."
2. Many people believe Washington is disconnected from the country.
3. In Washington, Congress works from Monday afternoon to Friday morning, to give them more time with constituents and hold their connections with their voters.
4. In midterm elections, one or two dozen new congressmen and senators publicize new messages from the country for the old hands.
5. Taking a job in Washington may affect one's lifestyle in buying homes, raising children, worrying about parking places, and street crime.
6. Newcomers expand their fame and political power by making alliances, joining groups, getting appointed to committees, making contacts with the press, and having friends in the administration.
7. Politicians seem to make very few deep friendships because almost every relationship is tainted by gaining power.
8. Elliott Richardson, a Republican from Boston, held four cabinet positions in the Nixon and Ford administrations, but failed when he attempted to be in the U.S. Senate.
9. Many politicians, lobbyists, lawyers, experts, consultants, and journalists are all attracted to having a career in Washington.
10. Politicians see New York State Congressman Jack Kemp as less influential than Trent Lott of Mississippi, the House Republican whip.

Questions: 

1. Who is the author referring to when he says "old hands"? (page 90/ fact 4 above)
2.  How would you define "jargon"?
3. Why is it that people see politicians as corrupt, even though they are trying to, for the most part, improve our society?
4. Do other countries differ in methods of making themselves well-known in the world of politics?
5. How might politicians be "less corrupt" if this problem is caused by money, and money is always related to politics?
6. How many college students decide they want to become a politician and work in Washington?
7. How does Washington attract so many people? What makes it so appealing to others?
8. At what age do politicians usually start working in Washington? Retire?
9. Is working in Washington more or less stressful than other careers?
10. How much influence do politicians really have on citizens of our country?