Carl Levin, the youngest of three children, was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan. He attended Detroit public schools and graduated from Central High School in 1952. After high school, Carl attended Swarthmore College in Swarthmore, Pennsylvania, where he majored in political science with minors in English and history. Carl graduated with honors in 1956 and continued his education at Harvard University Law School where he received his law degree in 1959. Read Carl Levin's full biography >
QUESTIONS THAT STUDENTS LIKE TO ASK CARL
What is your favorite book?
An interest in reading and learning, which is nurtured at a young age, is extremely important. Reading educates and broadens the mind, while sharpening one's creativity. Reading is an important part of my job as a senator. Every day I read newspaper articles, policy briefings, memos from my staff, legislation and letters from constituents. Another important part of being a senator is having access to information on many different topics. That is why my favorite book is the Columbia Desk Encyclopedia. There is no other book that covers as many subjects as the encyclopedia.
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What is your favorite sport to watch on TV?
Hockey
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What are your favorite hobbies?
Stamp collecting, attending the opera
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Who is your favorite President?
I have great respect and admiration for many of the men who have served our country in the Executive Branch, but the one I respect the most is President Franklin Delano Roosevelt.
I most admire President Roosevelt for his successful leadership during America's greatest crises. Franklin Roosevelt held office from 1933 until his death in 1945. During these years, he played a pivotal role in the Great Depression and World War II. He left us with a long legacy of helping the underprivileged, ensuring fair wages, establishing economic security, protecting the elderly and securing world peace.
President Roosevelt overcame both tremendous political obstacles and personal ones. He struggled with poliomyelitis and its effect on his ability to walk. He holds a unique place in the history of our country by being our only physically disabled President.
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How did you decide to be a Senator?
I had several reasons for becoming a United States Senator. One of the reasons was my desire to serve the public. My family has a history of public service. Also, during my time as a local elected official, I saw the need for the federal government to be more responsive and sensitive to the needs of local governments.
Before becoming a United States Senator in 1979, I practiced law in Detroit for five years. I was appointed assistant Michigan attorney general and general counsel for the Michigan Civil Rights commission in 1964. From 1967-69, I was special assistant attorney general and the chief appellate attorney for the Defender's Office in Detroit. In 1969, I won a seat on the Detroit City Council, and was reelected in 1973 as Council President for four years.
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What are your duties as a Senator?
I have been a United States Senator since January 1979, and am a member of the Armed Services Committee, Governmental Affairs Committee, Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee and Select Committee on Intelligence.
As a senator I spend my time in various activities: I attend meetings with constituents and various groups, participate in proceedings on the Senate floor and attend committee hearings on issues important to the nation and Michigan. Additionally, my time is spent studying legislation that I am considering for introduction or which other senators have introduced, and reviewing problems confronting Michigan to determine whether federal legislation would be appropriate. I also read and answer mail, and read memos and reports on current issues and legislation.
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I would like to be a politician some day. What should I do?
I encourage everyone to involve himself or herself in the political process. The future of this country rests on the ideas, enthusiasm and drive that new people bring to the political forum. At times, public service is a demanding and thankless occupation. However, the personal reward of this service, such as giving assistance and support to those who are unable to help themselves, is always a gratifying feeling.
It would be extremely difficult to recommend specific methods that guarantee political success. However, anyone contemplating a political life should seek to become informed on a wide range of policy questions and opinions. There is no substitute in a democracy for politically involved individuals who thoroughly understand all sides of an issue and who act in the best interests of the entire country.
The best recommendation that I could make regarding how you can prepare yourself for politics is to read. There are many opinion journals in this country that cover the issues of our day with insight and depth representing the entire political spectrum. I would also suggest that to really understand politics, an individual must first have a wide knowledge of history. To paraphrase one student of history: those who do not listen to the lessons of history are doomed to repeat the mistakes of history.
Another way to learn more about politics is through an internship. There are several positions open to individuals on a local, state and national level. These are usually non-paid positions that last six to twelve weeks during the summer or for more extended periods during the school year. I highly recommend an internship if you are interested in a future role in politics. These programs are valuable in providing balanced exposure to the work of a political office.
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How many children do you have?
I have three daughters, Kate, Laura and Erica and five grandchildren.
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