The Legislative Branch

Size: px
Start display at page:

Download "The Legislative Branch"

Transcription

1 The Legislative Branch

2 What you need to know Differences between the House of Representatives and the Senate The legislative process Influence of lobbyists How a bill becomes a law

3 The National Legislature Congress is bicameral two houses because the British Parliament was this way, in order to settle the differences between the New Jersey and Virginia Plans, and to provide checks and balances (watered down the power of the Congress)

4 Terms and Sessions Congress has 2 year terms The date for each term was determined in the 20 th Amendment Noon of the third day of January of every odd numbered year A session is that period of time during which Congress assembles and conducts business each year (2 each term)

5 Special Terms Adjourns suspends until the next session The President can prorogue (end) a session The President can also call a special session (a meeting to deal with some emergency situation) Only 26 have ever been held (1948 was the most recent)

6 The House of Representatives 435 members (not fixed by the Constitution) based on State populations 2 year terms makes members tend to matters back home Unlimited terms The size of Congress is now fixed because of the Reapportionment Act of 1929 (sets up permanent size of the House)

7 Qualifications for House Members Must be at least 25 Must be a US citizen for 7 years Must be an inhabitant of the State from which he/she is elected Custom: must live in the district that they represent House can punish its members, settle disputes, etc

8 The Senate 100 members as set by the Constitution 2 Senators from each State 17 th Amendment allows voters to pick Senators 6 year terms, no term limit Continuous Body all of its seats are never up for election at the same time

9 Qualifications for Senators Must be at least 30 years old Citizen of the US for 9 years Inhabitant of the State they represent Senate judges qualifications of its members, can refuse to sit someone, can punish its members and remove them from office

10 Congressional Elections Are held on the same day in every state

11 Party Officers Congress is a political body (partisanship) The Party Caucus closed meeting of the members of each party in each house, meets just before Congress convenes in January, deals with party organization Floor Leaders next to the speaker the majority and minority floor leaders are the most important officers in Congress

12 The Job Members of Congress play 5 major roles: legislators, representatives, committee members, servants of their constituents, politicians

13 Compensation Salary: $174,000 a year Each member receives fringe benefits Special tax deductions, travel allowances, offices in DC, free printing (franking privilege) Limits on Congressional pay: Presidential veto, fear of voter backlash When in office, Congressman are privileged from arrest (legislative immunity) except in cases of treason, felony, or breach of the peace

14 Congressional Power Congress only has those powers given to it in the Constitution Expressed Powers explicitly Implied Powers reasonable deduction from the expressed powers Inherent Powers by creating a national government

15 Power to Tax A tax is a charge levied by the government on persons or property to raise money to meet public needs Congress power to tax is limited No tax on Church services or voting Can only tax for public purposes Congress cannot tax exports Direct taxes must be apportioned among the states (income tax) All indirect taxes levied by the Federal government must be levied at the same rate in every part of the country

16 Borrowing Power No constitutional limits on the amount of money that Congress may borrow, and no restrictions on why they borrow Public debt all of the money borrowed by the government over the years and not yet repaid

17 Commerce Power Commerce Power the power of Congress to regulate interstate and foreign trade Gibbons v. Ogden (1824) States cannot regulate interstate commerce Broad definition of commerce Limits Cannot tax exports Cannot favor the ports of one State over another Cannot require that interstate vessels pay duties to another state Cannot interfere with the slave trade

18 Currency Power Power to coin and regulate money National system of money

19 Bankruptcy Power Congress can establish uniform laws on the subject of bankruptcy throughout the US Bankruptcy the legal proceeding in which the bankrupt s assets are distributed among those to whom a debt is owed Bankruptcy cases are almost always held in federal district courts

20 Foreign Relations Power Greatest power is in foreign affairs Shares power with President Power comes from 2 sources Various expressed powers US is a sovereign state in the world community

21 War Power Shares power with the President Only Congress can declare war Power to raise and support armies and navies

22 Expressed Powers Naturalization Process by which a person becomes a citizen Postal establish Post Offices and postal routes Copyrights exclusive right of an author to reproduce, publish, and sell his creative work Patents grants a person the sole right to manufacture, use, or sell any new and useful art, machine, manufacture, or composition of matter, or any new and useful improvement thereof

23 Expressed Powers Weights and Measures absolute need for accurate, uniform gauges of time, distance, area, weight, volume, and the like Territories and Other Areas acquire, manage, and dispose of various federal areas (ex: DC, Puerto Rico, Guam, Virgin Islands) Judicial create all of the federal courts below the Supreme Court and to structure the federal judiciary, define federal crimes and punishments (counterfeiting, piracies, and felonies on the high seas, and offenses against international law)

24 Implied Powers Necessary and Proper Clause gives Congress the expressed power to make all laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into Execution the foregoing Powers and all other Powers vested by this Constitution in the Government of the United States

25 McCulloch v. Maryland, 1819 The Court held that the Constitution need not expressly empower Congress to create a bank The power to create a bank was necessary and proper to the execution of 4 of the expressed powers: taxing, borrowing, currency, and commerce

26 Non-legislative Duties (nonlawmaking duties) Constitutional Amendments can propose changes to the Constitution Electoral Duties rarely used, but can elect the President Impeachment the House can accuse, the Senate will try the case charges against the President, Vice-President, and all civil officers (Andrew Johnson and Bill Clinton)

27 Non-Legislative Duties Executive Powers Appointments Senate must confirm Presidential appointments (Cabinet, Supreme Court Justice, etc.) Treaties President must get Senate approval Investigatory Power Congress has the power to investigate any matter that falls within the scope of its legislative powers

28 Congress Convenes The House every other January meets to begin a new term The Speaker is elected by the House and then takes his/her oath of office that is read by the Dean of the House (the person with the longest record of service in the House) Next, the House elects its clerk, sergeant at arms, chief administrative officer, and chaplain (none are members of the House) Then, the House adopts the rules Finally, members are appointed to the 19 permanent committees

29 The Presiding Officers The Speaker of the House more important and more powerful within the halls of Congress, he is elected and is acknowledged as leader of its majority party, duties are to preside and keep order The President of the Senate is the Vice President, not a very powerful role, can only vote to break a tie President pro tempore serves in the VP absence

30 Party Officers The party caucus closed meeting of the members of each party in each house The floor leaders party officers, picked for their posts by their party colleagues Majority leader is more important Whip assistant floor leaders, serve as a link between the party s leadership and its members

31 Committee Chairmen Those members who head the standing committees in each chamber Committees do most of the work in the House Seniority Rule unwritten custom that provides that the most important posts, in both the formal and the party organization, will be held by those party members with the longest records of service in Congress (most strictly followed with respect to committee chairmen)

32 Committees in Congress Standing Committees permanent panels in each house 19 in the House (10-75 members) 17 in the Senate (14-28 members) Most bills get most attention in the committees The majority party holds the majority of the seats Divided into subcommittees and these are responsible for parts of the committee

33 House Rules Committee traffic cop of the lower House Before bills can reach the floor, they must go through the Rules Committee Can speed, delay, or prevent House action on a bill 13 members

34 Select Committees Panels set up for some specific purpose and, most often, for a limited time Most are formed to investigate a current matter (ex: Watergate, Secret Military Assistance to Iran, budworms, etc.)

35 Joint Committees Composed of members of both houses Most are permanent

36 Conference Committees Before a bill can be sent to Congress it must be passed in both houses in identical form Temporary, joint body is created to iron out the differences in bills that pass the House and the Senate, but that are not identical (a compromise bill is produced)

37 How a Bill Becomes a Law Read pages and answer questions 1-4 on page 340 and questions 1-4 on page 346

Magruder s American Government

Magruder s American Government Presentation Pro Magruder s American Government C H A P T E R 11 Powers of Congress 2001 by Prentice Hall, Inc. C H A P T E R 11 Powers of Congress SECTION 1 The Scope of Congressional Powers SECTION 2

More information

American Government. C H A P T E R 11 Powers of Congress

American Government. C H A P T E R 11 Powers of Congress American Government C H A P T E R 11 Powers of Congress C H A P T E R 11 Powers of Congress SECTION 1 The Scope of Congressional Powers SECTION 2 The Expressed Powers of Money and Commerce SECTION 3 Other

More information

All indirect taxes must be levied at the same rate in all parts of the country Cannot taxes churches. Limits on The Taxing Power

All indirect taxes must be levied at the same rate in all parts of the country Cannot taxes churches. Limits on The Taxing Power 3 Types of Congressional Powers granted by the Constitution Expressed Powers Explicitly written in the Constitution Implied Powers Reasonably deducted from the expressed powers Inherent Powers By creating

More information

The S e cope o e f f Congressi essi nal al P ower w s

The S e cope o e f f Congressi essi nal al P ower w s The Scope of Congressional Powers What are the three types of congressional power? How does strict construction of the U.S. Constitution on the subject of congressional power compare to liberal construction?

More information

Congress A. Carafiello

Congress A. Carafiello Congress A. Carafiello Essential Questions Why does the Constitution divide power between the two houses of Congress? What is a term of Congress? What are Congressional sessions? What benefits to members

More information

The Legislative Branch UNIT 2

The Legislative Branch UNIT 2 The Legislative Branch UNIT 2 I. Congress A. The House of Representatives 1. Size and Terms - 435 members - 2- yr terms - Qualifications: 25 yrs old, citizen for 7 yrs, resident of state A. The House of

More information

The Scope of Congressional Powers. Congressional Power. Strict Versus Liberal Construction

The Scope of Congressional Powers. Congressional Power. Strict Versus Liberal Construction The Scope of Congressional Powers What are the three types of congressional power? How does strict construction of the U.S. Constitution on the subject of congressional power compare to liberal construction?

More information

STRUCTURE, POWERS, AND ROLES OF CONGRESS

STRUCTURE, POWERS, AND ROLES OF CONGRESS American Government Semester 1, Chapter 4 STRUCTURE, POWERS, AND ROLES OF CONGRESS STRUCTURE In our government, Congress has two parts, or houses. This type of legislature is known as bicameral. One half

More information

The Scope of Congressional Powers

The Scope of Congressional Powers The Scope of Congressional Powers Congressional Power The Constitution grants Congress a number of specific powers: The expressed powers Are granted to Congress explicitly (stated) in the Constitution.

More information

Unit: The Legislative Branch

Unit: The Legislative Branch - two houses. Name: Date: Period: Unit: The Legislative Branch Part One: How Congress is Organized Gerrymandering- to a state into an odd-shaped district for reasons. - people in a representative s district.

More information

Chapter 5: Congress: The Legislative Branch

Chapter 5: Congress: The Legislative Branch Chapter 5: Congress: The Legislative Branch Section 1: Congress Section 2: The Powers of Congress Section 3: The House of Representatives Section 4: The Senate Section 5: Congress at Work Congress Main

More information

Objectives. ! Compare the Constitutional requirements of the House and Senate.

Objectives. ! Compare the Constitutional requirements of the House and Senate. Congress Objectives! Compare the Constitutional requirements of the House and Senate.! List the roles of Congressmen.! Describe the compensation of Congressmen. Background! The Constitution created a bicameral

More information

Topic 4 POWERS of CONGRESS

Topic 4 POWERS of CONGRESS Topic 4 POWERS of CONGRESS Topic 4: Congressional Powers The Constitution grants Congress a number of specific powers in three different ways: 1. The expressed powers are given to Congress because they

More information

CHAPTER 5: CONGRESS: THE LEGISLATIVE BRANCH

CHAPTER 5: CONGRESS: THE LEGISLATIVE BRANCH CHAPTER 5: CONGRESS: THE LEGISLATIVE BRANCH 1 Section 1: Congress Section 2: The Powers of Congress Section 3: The House of Representative Section 4: The Senate Section 5: Congress At Work SECTION 1: CONGRESS

More information

US Constitution. Articles I-VII

US Constitution. Articles I-VII US Constitution Articles I-VII Quick Questions What is the Constitution? What is the Preamble? What are the Articles and their purpose? Preamble Six Purposes are Listed -> What are they? We the people

More information

Unit 4 The Legislative Branch Study Guide Explain all the following: 1. Bi-Cameral 2. Congress: - Office - term - Number of members - Selection -

Unit 4 The Legislative Branch Study Guide Explain all the following: 1. Bi-Cameral 2. Congress: - Office - term - Number of members - Selection - Unit 4 The Legislative Branch Study Guide Explain all the following: 1. Bi-Cameral 2. Congress: - Office - term - Number of members - Selection - Requirements 3. 17 th Amendment 4. 20 th amendment 5. 27

More information

Overview of Congressional Powers

Overview of Congressional Powers Overview of Congressional Powers Congress has three main types of powers: Expressed Located in Article I/Section 8/Clauses 1-18 27 listed powers Example: Declare War Print & Coin Money Implied Not located

More information

The Legislative Branch

The Legislative Branch The Legislative Branch Representative body Congress Law-making body Creating a Bi-Cameral Legislature Virginia Plan New Jersey Plan Connecticut Compromise Differences Between The Chambers HOUSE SENATE

More information

The Legislative Branch. Article I Congress

The Legislative Branch. Article I Congress The Legislative Branch Article I Congress Terms and Sessions of Congress A term is the length of time between elections in Congress (two years). Each Congressional term consists of two sessions, one during

More information

[ 4.1 ] National Legislature Overview

[ 4.1 ] National Legislature Overview [ 4.1 ] National Legislature Overview [ 4.1 ] National Legislature Overview Key Terms bills, floor consideration oversight function term session convenes adjourns recess prorogue special session franking

More information

American Citizenship Chapter 11 Notes Powers of Congress

American Citizenship Chapter 11 Notes Powers of Congress American Citizenship Chapter 11 Notes Powers of Congress Section 1 a. The Scope of Congressional Powers B. Congressional Power a. Congress only has the powers delegated to it by the Constitution i. Cannot

More information

NAME CLASS DATE. 1. What is the historical reason for Americans choosing a bicameral system?

NAME CLASS DATE. 1. What is the historical reason for Americans choosing a bicameral system? 10 Section 1 Guided Reading and Review The National Legislature The main points of Section 1 are supplied for you below in the form of questions. As you read the section, fill in the answers to the questions.

More information

The Legislative Branch. Article I Congress

The Legislative Branch. Article I Congress The Legislative Branch Article I Congress Essential Question EQ: How does Article I of the US Constitution define and enable the administration of legislative powers? Standards Content Standard 2: The

More information

AP US Government and Politics US Constitution Study

AP US Government and Politics US Constitution Study AP US Government and Politics US Constitution Study 1. How many Articles are in the US Constitution? 2. How many amendments have been added to the US Constitution? 3. Are amendments considered part of

More information

The Legislative Branch

The Legislative Branch The Legislative Branch United States Congress bicameral legislature House of Representatives 435 members 2 year terms smaller constituencies(congressional districts) apportionment Census Department Information

More information

CHAPTER 11 POWERS OF CONGRESS AND CHAPTER 12 CONGRESS IN ACTION Monster Packet

CHAPTER 11 POWERS OF CONGRESS AND CHAPTER 12 CONGRESS IN ACTION Monster Packet Mrs. Stafstrom Government NAME: HOUR: CHAPTER 11 POWERS OF CONGRESS AND CHAPTER 12 CONGRESS IN ACTION Monster Packet Chapter 11 Powers of Congress 1. The Expressed Powers: Money and Commerce a) Definitions

More information

Chapter 11: Powers of Congress Section 1

Chapter 11: Powers of Congress Section 1 Chapter 11: Powers of Congress Section 1 Objectives 1. Describe the three types of powers delegated to Congress. 2. Analyze the importance of the commerce power. 3. Summarize key points relating to the

More information

The Legislative Branch C H A P T E R S 2 A N D 7 E S S E N T I A L S O F A M E R I C A N G O V E R N M E N T R O O T S A N D R E F O R M

The Legislative Branch C H A P T E R S 2 A N D 7 E S S E N T I A L S O F A M E R I C A N G O V E R N M E N T R O O T S A N D R E F O R M The Legislative Branch C H A P T E R S 2 A N D 7 E S S E N T I A L S O F A M E R I C A N G O V E R N M E N T R O O T S A N D R E F O R M M S. CAMPBELL A P GOVERNMENT EDGREN HIGH SCHOOL Imagine for a moment

More information

Semester One Exam American Government

Semester One Exam American Government Semester One Exam American Government Directions: Please do not write on the exam! Mark all of your answers on the scantron provided. There are two parts to the exam, a scantron portion as well as two

More information

THE CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES

THE CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES THE CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES Article I Legislative Branch Section 1 Congress Congress will make all laws Divided into 2 houses Senate (upper house) House (lower house) Section 2 House of Reps

More information

Powers of Congress. Expressed, Implied, and Non-Legislative

Powers of Congress. Expressed, Implied, and Non-Legislative Powers of Congress Expressed, Implied, and Non-Legislative What are the basic powers of Congress? w Under the Constitution, Congress has three (3) sets of powers: n n n Expressed Powers: Powers specifically

More information

The Legislative Branch

The Legislative Branch The Legislative Branch Congress Legislative Branch of National Government Established in Article I of the Constitution Makes laws, ratifies treaties, impeachment, confirm presidential appointments, controls

More information

Magruder s American Government

Magruder s American Government Presentation Pro Magruder s American Government C H A P T E R 10 Congress 2001 by Prentice Hall, Inc. C H A P T E R 10 Congress SECTION 1 The National Legislature SECTION 2 The House of Representatives

More information

Congressional Powers

Congressional Powers Congressional Powers Historical Debate (Which level is superior?) (Hamilton) Believed the national government was superior regarding political affairs and the US Constitution should be read liberally and

More information

We the People.. The Failings of the Articles of Confederation and the Solutions of the Constitutional Convention Unit Two- BD

We the People.. The Failings of the Articles of Confederation and the Solutions of the Constitutional Convention Unit Two- BD We the People.. The Failings of the Articles of Confederation and the Solutions of the Constitutional Convention Unit Two- BD Sorting Out the Problems: Article One * Two plans are put forth to address

More information

POWERS OF CONGRESS. Unit III, Section 2

POWERS OF CONGRESS. Unit III, Section 2 POWERS OF CONGRESS Unit III, Section 2 The Scope of Congressional Powers SECTION I CONGRESSIONAL POWERS Powers delegated from the Constitution Many denials come from the lack of wording Powers hampered

More information

The Legislative Branch: The Reach of Congress (2008)

The Legislative Branch: The Reach of Congress (2008) The Legislative Branch: The Reach of Congress (2008) The Legislative Branch: The Reach of Congress (The following article is taken from the U.S. Department of State publication, Outline of U.S. Government.)

More information

The National Legislature Chapter 10 Section 1

The National Legislature Chapter 10 Section 1 The National Legislature Chapter 10 Section 1 Two Houses of Congress The Constitution creates a bicameral legislature for three reasons: Historical Practical Theoretical Historical The British Parliament

More information

Constitution of the United States. Article. I.

Constitution of the United States. Article. I. Constitution of the United States Article. I. Section. 1. All legislative Powers herein granted shall be vested in a Congress of the United States, which shall consist of a Senate and House of Representatives.

More information

December 15, 2011 A. term B. session each year C. special session D. adjourn

December 15, 2011 A. term B. session each year C. special session D. adjourn A. term "a two year period of time during which Congress meets" *a period of time that elected officials hold office B. session period of time each year that Congress assembles and conducts business--start

More information

4.1a- The Powers of Congress

4.1a- The Powers of Congress 4.1a- The Powers of Congress In 1789, Federal Hall in New York City became the home of the first U.S. Congress. By 1790, Congress moved to the new capital of Philadelphia. At its creation in 1789, the

More information

Chapter 4: The Legislative Branch

Chapter 4: The Legislative Branch Chapter 4: The Legislative Branch United States Government Fall, 2017 In republican government, the legislative authority necessarily predominates. The remedy for this inconveniency is to divide the legislature

More information

Ch. 4 The Congress. Ch. 4 The Congress. Ch. 4 The Congress. Ch. 4 The Congress. The National Legislature

Ch. 4 The Congress. Ch. 4 The Congress. Ch. 4 The Congress. Ch. 4 The Congress. The National Legislature The National Legislature The National Legislature is known as Congress and is made up of two chambers the House of Representatives & the Term - The length of time elected officials serve in office before

More information

Congress, Lobbyist, and the Legislative. Ch. 6 &7 SSCG 10 &11

Congress, Lobbyist, and the Legislative. Ch. 6 &7 SSCG 10 &11 Congress, Lobbyist, and the Legislative process Ch. 6 &7 SSCG 10 &11 Constitutional Powers Article 1, Section 8 of the Constitution spells out the powers of Congress. Congress has expressed powers, or

More information

We the People of the United States,

We the People of the United States, We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings

More information

CONGRESS. Unit Three- AA

CONGRESS. Unit Three- AA CONGRESS Unit Three- AA * The National Legislature Congress s meetings are held in periods known as terms, and each term lasts for two years. Each of these two year terms is numbered consecutively with

More information

ARTICLE 1 - THE LEGISLATIVE BRANCH DAY 2

ARTICLE 1 - THE LEGISLATIVE BRANCH DAY 2 ARTICLE 1 - THE LEGISLATIVE BRANCH DAY 2 THE U.S. CONGRESS Article I, Section 1: Creates Congress Bicameral (Great Compromise) Senate - Upper 100 members 6 years House - Lower 435 2 years Reapportioned

More information

The Legislative Branch Chapter 10, 11, 12

The Legislative Branch Chapter 10, 11, 12 The Legislative Branch Chapter 10, 11, 12 Though the President is Commander in Chief, Congress is his commander. This is not a Government of kings, but a Government of the people, and Congress is the people.

More information

Terms of Congress is 2 years 1 st term March 1789, ended 1791

Terms of Congress is 2 years 1 st term March 1789, ended 1791 Chapter 10 Congress Section 1: National Legislature Bicameral congress 1. Historical Great Britain had one, most colonies as well 2. Practical compromise between big state and small state issue 3. Theoretical

More information

Section 1: The National Legislature. Chapter 10: Congress

Section 1: The National Legislature. Chapter 10: Congress Chapter 10: Congress Section 1: The National Legislature United States Government Introduction The United States is a representative democracy, meaning that we elect representatives to make decisions for

More information

3 BRANCHES OF GOVERNMENT

3 BRANCHES OF GOVERNMENT 3 BRANCHES OF GOVERNMENT EXECUTIVE BRANCH President, Vice President, Cabinet QUALIFICATIONS Written Qualifications 35 years old Lived in country for 14 years Natural-born citizen Unwritten Qualifications

More information

Essential Questions - The Legislative Branch -What is the role of the Legislative Branch? -How doe Gerrymandering affect election outcomes?

Essential Questions - The Legislative Branch -What is the role of the Legislative Branch? -How doe Gerrymandering affect election outcomes? Essential Questions - The Legislative Branch -What is the role of the Legislative Branch? -How doe Gerrymandering affect election outcomes? -What are the powers of the legislative branch? -What influences

More information

TEACHING AMERICAN HISTORY PROJECT The Constitution, Article I Kyra Kasperson

TEACHING AMERICAN HISTORY PROJECT The Constitution, Article I Kyra Kasperson TEACHING AMERICAN HISTORY PROJECT The Constitution, Article I Kyra Kasperson Grade 7 Length of class period 42 minutes Inquiry What is the composition of the legislative branch under the Constitution and

More information

Article I: The Legislature (Congress)

Article I: The Legislature (Congress) The Constitution Article I: The Legislature (Congress) House of Representatives # of representatives is based on the population of each state- Census every 10 years Must be at least 25 years old, a citizen

More information

The Constitution and the Legislative Branch of the Government

The Constitution and the Legislative Branch of the Government Chapter 7 Congress The Constitution and the Legislative Branch of the Government o Article I describes structure of Congress n Bicameral legislature o Divided into two houses o Each state sends two Senators

More information

U.S. Government. The Constitution of the United States. Tuesday, September 23, 14

U.S. Government. The Constitution of the United States. Tuesday, September 23, 14 U.S. Government The Constitution of the United States Background The Constitution of the United States was created during the Spring and Summer of 1787. The Framers(the people who attended the convention)

More information

Name: Chp. 10: Congress. Notes Chp. 10: Congress 1

Name: Chp. 10: Congress. Notes Chp. 10: Congress 1 Name: Date: Period: Chp 10: Congress Notes Chp 10: Congress 1 Objectives Students will be able to: 1 Explain why the Constitution provides for a bicameral Congress 2 Describe the size and the elective

More information

2.5 The Living Constitution pp

2.5 The Living Constitution pp 2.5 The Living Constitution pp. 82-109 OUTLINING YOUR NOTES: Using outline formatting, take notes as you read the text. Purposes of the Constitution 1) Establish Legitimacy 2) Create Appropriate Structures

More information

The U.S. Constitution. Ch. 2.4 Ch. 3

The U.S. Constitution. Ch. 2.4 Ch. 3 The U.S. Constitution Ch. 2.4 Ch. 3 The Constitutional Convention Philadelphia Five months, from May until September 1787 Secret Meeting, closed to outside. Originally intent to revise the Articles of

More information

Chapter 11: Powers of Congress Section 1

Chapter 11: Powers of Congress Section 1 Chapter 11: Powers of Congress Section 1 Objectives 1. Describe the three types of powers delegated to Congress. 2. Analyze the importance of the commerce power. 3. Summarize key points relating to the

More information

CIS Political Science Chapter 11. Legislative Branch: Congress. Mr. Makela. St. Clair High School. University of Minnesota

CIS Political Science Chapter 11. Legislative Branch: Congress. Mr. Makela. St. Clair High School. University of Minnesota CIS Political Science Chapter 11 Legislative Branch: Congress Mr. Makela St. Clair High School University of Minnesota The Origin and Powers of Congress Bicameral problems w/ Representation (Great Compromise)

More information

Federalism - Balance Between Federal and State

Federalism - Balance Between Federal and State While the constitution continues to be read, and its principles known, the states, must, by every rational man, be considered as essential component parts of the union; and therefore the idea of sacrificing

More information

Congress The National Legislature Terms and Session of Congress The House of Representatives Congressional Elections Districts

Congress The National Legislature Terms and Session of Congress The House of Representatives Congressional Elections Districts 1 2 Congress Chapter 10 Article I of the US Constitution The National Legislature Bicameralism Congress consists of two houses (Bicameral), the House of Representatives and the Senate The British Parliament

More information

The Structure and Functions of the Government

The Structure and Functions of the Government The Structure and Functions of the Government The United States of America is a democratic republic or an indirect government. In definition, it means that when the people vote, they give the power to

More information

Name: Class: Date: 5., a self-governing possession of the United States, is represented by a nonvoting resident commissioner.

Name: Class: Date: 5., a self-governing possession of the United States, is represented by a nonvoting resident commissioner. 1. A refers to a Congress consisting of two chambers. a. bicameral judiciary b. bicameral legislature c. bicameral cabinet d. bipartisan filibuster e. bipartisan caucus 2. In the context of the bicameral

More information

The Legislative Branch

The Legislative Branch Chapter 5 The Legislative Branch Section 1: Section 2: Section 3: Section 4: The Senate and the House of Representatives How Congress Is Organized The Powers of Congress How a Bill Becomes a Law Section

More information

Congress: Structure & Powers

Congress: Structure & Powers Congress: Structure & Powers Role of Political Parties In each chamber of Congress, the party breakdown determines the leadership positions Seating in the House & Senate done by political parties Committee

More information

Constitution of the United State

Constitution of the United State Constitution of the United State Article I Section 1 Section 2 Section 3 Section 4 Section 5 Section 6 Section 7 Section 8 Section 9 Section 10 Section 1 All legislative Powers herein granted shall be

More information

Congress. Congress STEP BY STEP. through the first reading page with the class. one Primary Document Activity and Review Activity to each student.

Congress. Congress STEP BY STEP. through the first reading page with the class. one Primary Document Activity and Review Activity to each student. Teacher s Guide Congress Time Needed: One class period Materials Needed: Student worksheets Copy Instructions: Reading (2 pages; class set) Primary Document Activity (1 page; class set) Review Activity

More information

Chapter 11. Congress. What is Congress main job?

Chapter 11. Congress. What is Congress main job? Chapter 11 Congress What is Congress main job? The Constitution and the Legislative Branch of the Government o Article I describes structure of Congress n Bicameral legislature o Divided into two houses

More information

Congress. Congress STEP BY STEP. one Congress in a FLASH reading page to each student. students to complete the activities in the review worksheet.

Congress. Congress STEP BY STEP. one Congress in a FLASH reading page to each student. students to complete the activities in the review worksheet. Teacher s Guide Congress Time Needed: One class period Materials Needed: Student worksheets Copy Instructions: Reading (2 pages; class set) Primary Document Activity (1 page; class set) Review Worksheet

More information

Constitution Cheat Sheet

Constitution Cheat Sheet Constitution Cheat Sheet The Preamble to the Constitution has no force in law; instead, it establishes the "Why" of the Constitution. Why is this document in existence? It reflects the desires of the Framers

More information

McCulloch vs. Maryland

McCulloch vs. Maryland McCulloch vs. Maryland Background of the Case: After the War of 1812, the U.S. government needed additional funds to pay off the debts of the war. Instead of being able to borrow money from one institution,

More information

The Legislative Branch and Domestic Policy. POLS 103 Unit 2 Week 7-8

The Legislative Branch and Domestic Policy. POLS 103 Unit 2 Week 7-8 The Legislative Branch and Domestic Policy POLS 103 Unit 2 Week 7-8 The Institutional Design of Congress Unit 2 BICAMERAL Legislature! The House of Representatives Elected Via Popular vote. 2 year term

More information

UNIT 3: THE LEGISLATIVE BRANCH

UNIT 3: THE LEGISLATIVE BRANCH UNIT 3: THE LEGISLATIVE BRANCH POWERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE BRANCH E X P R E S S E D OR IMPLIED EXPRESSED POWERS Powers that are specifically listed in the Constitution (Article 1 Section 8) Coin money Impeach

More information

Congress: Structure & Powers

Congress: Structure & Powers Congress: Structure & Powers Role of Political Parties In each chamber of Congress, the party breakdown determines the leadership positions Chairpersons of committees ~ majority party always leads the

More information

1. States must meet certain requirements in drawing district boundaries. Identify one of these requirements.

1. States must meet certain requirements in drawing district boundaries. Identify one of these requirements. Multiple Choice 1. States must meet certain requirements in drawing district boundaries. Identify one of these requirements. a. A person's vote in the largest district of a state must have only half the

More information

Purpose of Congress. Make laws governing the nation

Purpose of Congress. Make laws governing the nation Basics of Congress Purpose of Congress Make laws governing the nation Framers considered the legislative branch to be the most powerful A member from either chamber may begin the legislative process (excluding

More information

Andrew Johnson 1868 Bill Clinton Executive Powers

Andrew Johnson 1868 Bill Clinton Executive Powers Nonlegislative Powers of Congress Constitutional amendments: propose by 2/3 agreements of both houses Electoral duties o if no President, the House decides if no one receive a majority of the electoral

More information

Congress ess r O g r anizes

Congress ess r O g r anizes Congress Organizes How and when does Congress convene? What are the roles of the presiding officers in the Senate and the House? What are the duties of party officers in Congress? How are committee chairmen

More information

The Constitution. Name: The Law of the Land. What Does Our Constitution Look Like? The Constitution s Table of Contents

The Constitution. Name: The Law of the Land. What Does Our Constitution Look Like? The Constitution s Table of Contents The Law of the Land A constitution is a document that gives the rules for how a government should run. The Framers wrote our Constitution to create a government for the new United States of America. Creating

More information

Topic 4: Congress Section 1

Topic 4: Congress Section 1 Topic 4: Congress Section 1 Introduction Why does the Constitution establish a bicameral legislature? Historically, it is modeled on the two houses of the British Parliament and colonial legislatures.

More information

AMERICAN GOVERNMENT CHAPTER 10 GUIDED NOTES. is the of the. Its is to. Congress, then, is charged with the most : that of translating the

AMERICAN GOVERNMENT CHAPTER 10 GUIDED NOTES. is the of the. Its is to. Congress, then, is charged with the most : that of translating the AMERICAN GOVERNMENT CHAPTER 10 GUIDED NOTES NAME PERIOD Chapter 10.1 is the of the. Its is to. Congress, then, is charged with the most : that of translating the public will into. How profoundly important

More information

The Constitution: WHO WE ARE (and how it came to be)

The Constitution: WHO WE ARE (and how it came to be) The Constitution: WHO WE ARE (and how it came to be) WHERE ARE WE GOING? Examine your home grown Constitutions Discuss the problems doing it from scratch Look at the First Government of the United States

More information

Chapter 7. Congress. American Government 2006 Edition To accompany Comprehensive, Alternate, Texas, and Essentials Editions O Connor and Sabato

Chapter 7. Congress. American Government 2006 Edition To accompany Comprehensive, Alternate, Texas, and Essentials Editions O Connor and Sabato Chapter 7 Congress American Government 2006 Edition To accompany Comprehensive, Alternate, Texas, and Essentials Editions O Connor and Sabato The Constitution and the Legislative Branch of the Government

More information

The Legislative Branch. Makin Law Since 1789

The Legislative Branch. Makin Law Since 1789 The Legislative Branch Makin Law Since 1789 A Bicameral Congress Three Reasons 1. Historical the British Parliament had 2 houses since the 1300 s 2. Practical compromise between the Virginia Plan and the

More information

PROFESSIONAL TEACHING STANDARDS BOARD. United States Constitution Study Guide

PROFESSIONAL TEACHING STANDARDS BOARD. United States Constitution Study Guide PROFESSIONAL TEACHING STANDARDS BOARD United States Constitution Study Guide Section 21-7-304, Wyoming Statutes, 1969--"All persons hereafter applying for certificates authorizing them to become administrators

More information

Name Class Period. MAIN IDEA PACKET: Government Institutions AMERICAN GOVERNMENT CHAPTERS 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 & 18

Name Class Period. MAIN IDEA PACKET: Government Institutions AMERICAN GOVERNMENT CHAPTERS 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 & 18 Name Class Period UNIT 4 MAIN IDEA PACKET: Government Institutions AMERICAN GOVERNMENT CHAPTERS 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 & 18 CHAPTER 10 CONGRESS Chapter 10 Section 1: The National Legislature Congress,

More information

Social Studies Curriculum High School

Social Studies Curriculum High School Mission Statement: American Government The Social Studies Department of Alton High School is committed to the following; assisting students in mastering and appreciating the principles of government, preparing

More information

Primary Source: Articles 1, 2 and 3 of the Constitution of the United States of America

Primary Source: Articles 1, 2 and 3 of the Constitution of the United States of America Primary Source: Articles 1, 2 and 3 of the Constitution of the United States of America Electronic Edition Located at: http://www.senate.gov/civics/constitution_item/constitution.htm Original Text Explanation

More information

Government Final Exam Study Guide

Government Final Exam Study Guide Mrs. Toxqui Government Government Final Exam Study Guide Assigned: Due: Part 1: Articles of the Constitution Directions: Write the name of the branch that gets its power from the corresponding article

More information

One useless man is a shame, two is a law firm, three or more is congress. -John Adams

One useless man is a shame, two is a law firm, three or more is congress. -John Adams One useless man is a shame, two is a law firm, three or more is congress. -John Adams Legislate: turn public will into public policy (laws) Help their constituents deal with the federal bureaucracy (Veterans

More information

Constitution Test Study Guide

Constitution Test Study Guide Constitution Test Study Guide Part One: Development of the Constitution Articles of Confederation: America's first government. The 13 states were loosely unified but the government was very weak, with

More information

Chapter 3 The Constitution. Section 1 Structure and Principles

Chapter 3 The Constitution. Section 1 Structure and Principles Chapter 3 The Constitution Section 1 Structure and Principles The Constitution The Founders... 1) created the Constitution more than 200 years ago. 2) like Montesquieu, believed in separation of powers.

More information

LESSON S OBJECTIVES Explain the powers that the const. Gives to congress Explain the enumerated powers of congress, the necessary and proper and

LESSON S OBJECTIVES Explain the powers that the const. Gives to congress Explain the enumerated powers of congress, the necessary and proper and Lesson 12.2 LESSON S OBJECTIVES Explain the powers that the const. Gives to congress Explain the enumerated powers of congress, the necessary and proper and general welfare clauses, and the reason for

More information

C H A P T E R 10 Congress in Action

C H A P T E R 10 Congress in Action C H A P T E R 0 Congress in Action C H A P T E R 2 The Federal Court System SECTION SECTION 2 SECTION 3 SECTION 4 Congress Organizes Committees in Congress How a Bill Becomes a Law: The House The Bill

More information

State and Local Government in the United States

State and Local Government in the United States State and Local Government in the United States www.whitehouse.gov The United States have three levels of government; a federal level, a state level and a local level. Each one has its own features and

More information

Legislative Branch Notes

Legislative Branch Notes Legislative Branch Notes Characteristics of Congress Senate: members year terms Qualifications: years old, citizen for years members year terms Qualifications: years old; citizen for years How are they

More information

Organization. -Great Compromise of branches of government Bicameral legislature. -House. -Senate Upper house

Organization. -Great Compromise of branches of government Bicameral legislature. -House. -Senate Upper house Organization -Great Compromise of 1787 3 branches of government Bicameral legislature -House Lower house -Senate Upper house The House of Representatives is based on population The Senate is based on equal

More information

I. The Division of Powers

I. The Division of Powers TOPIC 5: FEDERALISM Objectives p. 02 In the course of reading this chapter and participating in the classroom activity, students will a. explaining the relationship of the state governments to the national

More information