Help with Poly Sci Homework?

Much attention is being given to the 2010 midterm congressional elections. Obviously, many people feel that they have a stake in the outcome. Beyond selecting the individuals who will have governing power and the party that will organize the House and the Senate, in what ways, if at all, do you think this election or elections in general matter? What factors limit the impact of elections in American government? What do you think will be the most important consequence of the 2010 elections?