Functions of Congress

Size: px
Start display at page:

Download "Functions of Congress"

Transcription

1 Functions of Congress Make laws Represent people Perform oversight Help constituents Educate the public Powers of Congress 1

2 Congressional Powers Legislative Powers Power to Tax Power to Borrow Regulate Commerce Currency Power Regulate Bankruptcy Conduct Foreign Relations Declare War Others Nonlegislative Powers Propose Amendments Electoral Duties Impeachment Confirm Executive Appointments Confirm treaties Investigate matters that relate to its legislative powers Impeachment House has sole power to impeach (to accuse or bring charges) Pertains to President, Vice President, and all civil officers of the U.S. To be impeached must commit Treason, Bribery, or other high Crimes and Misdemeanors Impeachment requires a majority vote of the House Conviction requires a two-thirds vote of the Senate The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court presides over the Senate when a President is to be tried Seven people have been convicted (all federal judges) CONGRESSIONAL DEMOGRAPHICS 2

3 By Danny Dougherty and Alex Tribou, Bloomberg UPDATED Nov. 8, :30 a.m Personal and Political Background Not representative of American people Average member of Congress (both houses) is white male in mid-50s Most are married with children Most are members of Christian church Most are lawyers Others have business, education, agriculture, journalism, professional politics background Gender and Race House of Representatives ( ): 9 74 women 240 African-Americans 027 Hispanics 7 Asians Senate (2008): 17 Women 1 African-American (Obama resigned) 3 Hispanics 2 Asian-Americans (both from Hawaii) 3

4 Does Race/Gender Matter? Descriptive representation: Goal is to have similar demographic characteristics between representatives and constituency Substantive representation: Goal is to have similar opinions between representatives and constituency Benefits 4

5 Congressional Perks Salary = $158,000 a year Leaders get more (i.e. Speaker gets $192, 600) Tax deduction for maintaining two residences Travel allowances Low life & health insurance rates Pension plan based on years of service (they contribute) Office space in Washington D.C. & allowance for offices in home district/state $ to hire staff and for operating expenses of offices Franking privilege Congressional Perks Nice restaurants in Capitol building Two gyms Free parking near Capitol and Washington s airports Support of Library of Congress Cannot be arrested while attending a House or Senate session or on way to a session (except for treason, felony, or breach of peace) Have immunity for things said during legislative debate Representation 5

6 Representation On what basis do members of Congress cast their vote? Trustees: Use their own conscience and independent judgment to decide issues regardless of the views held by their constituents Delegates: Believe they should vote the way they think the folks back home would want. Partisans: Lawmakers who owe their first allegiance to their political party. They vote the party line. Politicos: Combine the roles above. They try to balance and weigh their own views, views of constituents, and party views to arrive at the best decision. Organization of Congress House of Representatives Leadership Speaker of the House Majority Leader Majority Whip 6

7 John Boehner (OH) Speaker of the House Second in line of succession Presides over house when in session Major role in making committee assignments Extensive control over which bills are assigned to which committees Appoints or plays key role in appointing legislative leaders House Majority/Minority Leader Rounds up votes Influences committee assignments Schedules bills Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (CA) Majority Leader Eric Cantor (VA) Back Whips Work with majority (minority) leader to round up votes Report views and complaints of party members back to leaders Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer (MD) Republican Whip Kevin McCarthy (CA) 7

8 Senate Leadership President of the Senate President Pro Tempore Majority Leader Majority Whip President of the Senate Vice President Votes if there is a tie Joe Biden (DE) President Pro Tempore Presides in the absence of the Vice President Mostly honorary position Typically goes to most senior member of majority party Daniel K Inouye (Hawaii) 8

9 Senate Leaders Corralling Votes Schedule Floor action Influence committee assignments Majority Leader Harry Reid (NV) Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (KY) Senate Whips Majority Whip Dick Durbin (IL) Similar role to counterparts in the House Minority Whip Jon Kyl Republican (AZ) Committees and Subcommittees Standing Committees: Permanent Each deals with separate policy areas or subject matter Joint: Members from both Houses Often related to economy and taxation Conference Committees: resolve disputes in legislation between houses and reports back a compromise bill Select: Temporary Specific purpose (e.g., Watergate) 9

10 Purpose of Committees Hold hearings Conduct other research Write and rewrite (marked up bill) Floor managers: help gather votes Cue givers: experts on the bill Legislative oversight/watchdog: monitor bureaucracy s administration of policy via hearings Approve budgets Investigate wrongdoing Chairs and Seniority System Most important influencers of committee agenda: Schedule hearings Hire staff Appoint subcommittees Manage committee bills brought before the full House Bottle up legislation in committee Until the 1970s, chairs always selected through seniority system. Chairs and Seniority System In the 1970s, Congress faced a revolt of its younger members: Both parties in both houses permitted members to vote on committee chairs. Seniority still remains general rule, but many exceptions These and other reforms have somewhat reduced the clout of chairs 10

11 Standing Committees - House Agriculture Appropriations Armed Services Budget Education & Labor Energy and Commerce Financial Services Foreign Affairs Homeland Security House Administration Judiciary Natural Resources Oversight and Government Reform Rules Science and Technology Small Business Standards of Official Conduct (Ethics) Transportation & Infrastructure Veterans Affairs Ways and Means Standing Committees - Senate Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Appropriations Armed Services Budget Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Commerce, Science, and Transportation Energy & Natural Resources Environment and Public Works Finance Foreign Relations Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Judiciary Rules and Administration Small Business and Entrepreneurship Veterans Affairs Congressional Caucuses Informal groups of members of Congress sharing some interest or characteristic Intraparty Ideological Economics/Industry Concerns Personal Interest National Concerns Regional Concerns State Concerns 11

12 Legislative Process Types of Bills and Resolutions Private bills vs. public bills Resolutions Joint: A proposal for some action that has the force of law when passed; usually deals with special circumstances or temporary matters. Used to propose constitutional amendments. Concurrent: A statement of position on an issue adopted by the House and Senate; does not have the force of law; does not require the President s signature Resolution: A measure dealing with some matter in one house; does not have the force of law; does not require the President s signature Legislative Process Bill is introduced by Senator or Representative and assigned a number (H.R. or S.). It is then assigned a committee. The committee conducts hearings on the bill to gain information Special interest groups, government agencies/departments, citizens, experts, etc. often testify before the committee about the bill, its possible consequences, etc. Committees will also conduct mark up sessions where the bill will be amended 95% of bills die in committee Committee process can be avoided in the House by a discharge petition If a bill passes committee, the committee constructs a report summarizing the provisions and their rationale as well as the committee deliberations and their amendments 12

13 Floor Debate Floor speeches rarely influence congressmen but are used more to inform or justify to constituents how one is voting Power is given to the Speaker and president of the Senate to recognize speakers They typically know why a member wishes to speak Spontaneous speakers are often asked for what purpose does the member rise in order to understand what will be said Floor Debate (cont.) In the House, the Rules Committee gives control to the bill s sponsor as well as its leading opponent (most often these are the committee chair and the minority chair) They often allot small amounts of time to other members, with preference for fellow committee members The Rules Committee, led by the Speaker, will also schedule when debate will occur on the calendar Scheduling often allows the bill to die when it is put off until the end of a legislative session Floor Debate (cont.) Senate leadership has much less control than the House over who speaks Unanimous consent is required in the Senate to limit debate Senators do much more legislating on the floor in comparison to the House 13

14 Floor Debate (cont.) Amendments can also be passed and debated while the bill is on the floor but with many more restrictions in the House Killer amendments: some members insert amendments, which when included makes the bill unacceptable to the majority Unlike the House, amendments do not have to be germane or pertinent in the Senate (a rider); thus, whole bills may be introduced as amendments on the floor of the Senate The House may adopt a closed rule setting a strict limit on debate and forbidding the introduction of any amendments from the floor Debate in the House may be discussed by the Committee of the Whole (100 members) and then referred to the entire House for the final vote. Floor Debate (cont.) The Filibuster (Senate ONLY) Due to the need for a unanimous consent agreement to limit debate, Senators can speak for as long as they wish To break a filibuster, it requires a 3/5 s vote to invoke cloture Filibusters are becoming more common rising from an average of 1 filibuster per Congress in the 1950s to 32 in the th Congress ( ) Voting Voting requires a quorum (218 members in the House) to be present Voice vote: used in both bodies in which members simply shout yea or nay Division vote (also known as standing vote): method of voting in both bodies in which members stand and are counted Teller vote: used in the House, members walk between two tellers (first the yeas, then the neas) Roll-call vote: names of members are called and each member responds with their vote Present can be used to avoid recording a stance on an issue or vote Electronic counters in House 14

15 Passage of bill from first body (House or Senate) means the bill must then go through the same process in the other body Conference committee (not a joint committee) is needed to meet to reconcile differences between House and Senate versions of a bill Members are often the senior committee members of each body that initiated the bill Conference committee report, not the final bill, must be approved by both the House and Senate Veto A bill is delivered to the president for approval President has ten days to approve or reject legislation If congress adjourns during ten day period and the president neither signs or vetoes the bill, it is known as a pocket veto If a bill is vetoed, both the House and Senate can override the veto with a 2/3 s vote of both bodies 15

Unit 3 Learning Objectives

Unit 3 Learning Objectives AP AMERICAN GOVERNMENT Unit Three Part 3 Political Parties, Congress, and Special Interests 2 1 Unit 3 Learning Objectives The Structure and Powers of Congress 3.5 Differentiate the powers of Congress,

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

THE LEGISLATIVE BRANCH

THE LEGISLATIVE BRANCH 2004 By Default! THE LEGISLATIVE BRANCH Mr. P s Class Yellow on the left, RED on the right Slide 1 2004 By Default! KEY QUESTION You have a great idea for a new bill. Describe the process, in detail, of

More information

Unit 3: Structure and Functions of the Federal Government

Unit 3: Structure and Functions of the Federal Government Unit 3: Structure and Functions of the Federal Government Three branches compose the basic structure of the federal government. Public policy is created through the making of laws, the execution of the

More information

4.3: ORGANIZATION & MEMBERSHIP OF CONGRESS. AP U. S. Government

4.3: ORGANIZATION & MEMBERSHIP OF CONGRESS. AP U. S. Government 4.3: ORGANIZATION & MEMBERSHIP OF CONGRESS AP U. S. Government DEMOGRAPHICS OF THOSE IN 113 TH CONGRESS DEMOGRAPHICS Mostly male Well educated Middle and upper incomes Law is most common occupation Recently,

More information

The Legislative Branch How Congress is Organized

The Legislative Branch How Congress is Organized The Legislative Branch How Congress is Organized The First Branch of this Government The U.S. Congress The Legislative Branch of the U.S. Government Consists of 535 members in a two house ( bicameral )

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

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

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

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

Ch. 11 Powers of Congress (Article I) Ch. 11 Powers of Congress (Article I) Ch. 11 Powers of Congress (Article I) Non Legislative Powers

Ch. 11 Powers of Congress (Article I) Ch. 11 Powers of Congress (Article I) Ch. 11 Powers of Congress (Article I) Non Legislative Powers Non Legislative Powers Congress can propose an Amendment to the Constitution The House of Representatives can elect the President if no candidate gets a majority of electoral votes The Senate can elect

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

Magruder s American Government

Magruder s American Government Presentation Pro Magruder s American Government C H A P T E R 12 Congress in Action 2001 by Prentice Hall, Inc. C H A P T E R 12 Congress In Action SECTION 1 Congress Organizes SECTION 2 Committees in

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

How Congress Works Part 1:

How Congress Works Part 1: How Congress Works Part 1: Who s in Congress? Demographic Profile of Congress Age Groups Party Gender Ethnicity Source: http://www.congress.org/congressorg/directory/demographics.tt House-Senate Differences

More information

Unit 3 Learning Objectives Part 1 Political Parties

Unit 3 Learning Objectives Part 1 Political Parties AP AMERICAN GOVERNMENT Unit Three Political Parties, Congress, and Special Interests 2 1 Unit 3 Learning Objectives Part 1 Political Parties What are Political Parties? 3.1 Identify the functions and characteristics

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

Congress. J. Alexander Branham Fall 2016

Congress. J. Alexander Branham Fall 2016 Congress J. Alexander Branham Fall 2016 Representation Who elects representatives? Constituency the people in the district that an MC represents 1 Principal - Agent Principal constituency 2 Principal -

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

Political Science 10 American Politics: Congress

Political Science 10 American Politics: Congress Political Science 10 American Politics: Congress Loren Collingwood, Political Science May 27, 2014 1 / 23 Current Events: Jim Messina 2 / 23 Current Events: SCOTUS Raises Bar on low-iq Executions 3 / 23

More information

Basic Government Processes. Heather Sachs, National Down Syndrome Congress Chris Masey, Coalition for Texans with Disabilities

Basic Government Processes. Heather Sachs, National Down Syndrome Congress Chris Masey, Coalition for Texans with Disabilities Basic Government Processes Heather Sachs, National Down Syndrome Congress Chris Masey, Coalition for Texans with Disabilities Branches of government The legislative branch Leadership & Committees How a

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

How Congress Works Part I

How Congress Works Part I How Congress Works Part I House-Senate Differences House 435 members; 2 yr. terms 25 Years Old Low turnover Decisions hard to challenge Scheduling/rules controlled by majority party (controls time of debate,

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

Congress. Chapter 13

Congress. Chapter 13 Congress Chapter 13 Introduction Congress is the first branch of the government It is also seen as the most broken and distrusted Surprisingly, incumbents still win re-election (more so in the House, less

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

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

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

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

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

AP U.S. Government & Politics Unit 3: Institutions of National Government: The Congress

AP U.S. Government & Politics Unit 3: Institutions of National Government: The Congress AP U.S. Government & Politics 2017-18 Unit 3: Institutions of National Government: The Congress Textbook: Chapter 11; Congress: Balancing National Goals and Local Interests ; pp. 286-321 Web sites to use:

More information

Chapter 12: Congress. American Democracy Now, 4/e

Chapter 12: Congress. American Democracy Now, 4/e Chapter 12: Congress American Democracy Now, 4/e Congress Where Do You Stand? How would you rate the overall performance of Congress today? a. Favorably b. Unfavorably c. Neither favorably nor unfavorably

More information

Congress Outline Notes

Congress Outline Notes Congress Outline Notes I. INTRODUCTION A. Congress as the center of policymaking in America. 1. Although the prominence of Congress has fluctuated over time. 2. Some critics charge Congress with being

More information

Congress. Congress, the Presidency, and the Legislative Process (a refresher lecture) Congress

Congress. Congress, the Presidency, and the Legislative Process (a refresher lecture) Congress Congress, the Presidency, and the Legislative Process (a refresher lecture) Congress Congress Legislative supremacy Bicameralism Two different chambers House Senate Term: 2 6 Size: 435 100 District Size:

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. POWERS OF CONGRESS Article I Section 8. AI, S8, Clause 18: Necessary and Proper Clause

THE LEGISLATIVE BRANCH. POWERS OF CONGRESS Article I Section 8. AI, S8, Clause 18: Necessary and Proper Clause THE LEGISLATIVE BRANCH POWERS OF CONGRESS Article I Section 8. AI, S8, Clause 18: Necessary and Proper Clause STRUCTURE OF CONGRESS Originally, the Constitution provided for members of the House of Representatives

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

Congress: Balancing National Goals and Local Interests. Chapter 11

Congress: Balancing National Goals and Local Interests. Chapter 11 Congress: Balancing National Goals and Local Interests Chapter 11 Original intent Leading branch of government Parts of executive and judicial branches cannot exist without congressional approval Branch

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

Two separate chambers in Congress (BICAMERAL)

Two separate chambers in Congress (BICAMERAL) CONGRESS Origins of Congress Great Compromise Two separate chambers in Congress (BICAMERAL) Senate Each state receives two senators; 6 year terms Originally selected by state legislatures, but 17th amendment

More information

Name: Date: 1. Like most other national legislatures, Congress is (comprising two houses ). A) bicameral B) bilateral C) binary D) bicentenary

Name: Date: 1. Like most other national legislatures, Congress is (comprising two houses ). A) bicameral B) bilateral C) binary D) bicentenary Name: Date: 1. Like most other national legislatures, Congress is (comprising two houses ). A) bicameral B) bilateral C) binary D) bicentenary 2. A House member represents a district of about people. A)

More information

What do we think of Congress?

What do we think of Congress? What do we think of Congress? Discuss each quotation: What does it mean? (your interpretation) What does the author think of Congress? (bias) What does/can the quote tell us about how Congress works? Founders

More information

Chapter 7 Congress at Work

Chapter 7 Congress at Work Section 7.1 How a Bill Becomes a Law Introduction During each 2-year term of Congress, thousands of bills are introduced often numbering more than 10,000. Of the thousands of bills introduced in each session,

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

DUE 2/1. Name: Date: Directions: Simply identify and describe the important terms, places, events, and people listed below.

DUE 2/1. Name: Date: Directions: Simply identify and describe the important terms, places, events, and people listed below. Name: Date: AP United States Government & Politics Directions: Simply identify and describe the important terms, places, events, and people listed below. Then & Now DUE 2/1 the first branch power of the

More information

Chapter 13 Congress. Congress. Know the terms/names (especially with FRQs) House of Representatives. Senate

Chapter 13 Congress. Congress. Know the terms/names (especially with FRQs) House of Representatives. Senate Chapter 13 Congress Know the terms/names (especially with FRQs) Congress House of Representatives Senate Almost always referred to as Congress A term of Congress is 2 years Term begins on January 3 rd

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

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

Chapter 5 The Organization of Congress. Section 1 Congressional Membership

Chapter 5 The Organization of Congress. Section 1 Congressional Membership Chapter 5 The Organization of Congress Section 1 Congressional Membership Congressional Sessions Each term of Congress has two sessions. Each session lasts until Congress votes to adjourn. Membership of

More information

Demographic Profile of the 111th Congress

Demographic Profile of the 111th Congress How Congress Works Who s in Congress? Demographic Profile of the 111th Congress Age Groups Party Gender Ethnicity Source: http://www.congress.org/congressorg/directory/demographics.tt House-Senate Differences

More information

The Legislative Branch (Makes Laws) 114th Congress 131st Ohio General Assembly Portage County Commissioners City Council Kent, Ohio

The Legislative Branch (Makes Laws) 114th Congress 131st Ohio General Assembly Portage County Commissioners City Council Kent, Ohio The Legislative Branch (Makes Laws) 114th Congress 131st Ohio General Assembly Portage County Commissioners City Council Kent, Ohio 1 U.S. Congress Washington, D.C. 2 3 U.S. Capitol Building Holds the

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

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

Congress has three major functions: lawmaking, representation, and oversight.

Congress has three major functions: lawmaking, representation, and oversight. Unit 5: Congress A legislature is the law-making body of a government. The United States Congress is a bicameral legislature that is, one consisting of two chambers: the House of Representatives and the

More information

Magruder s American Government

Magruder s American Government Presentation Pro Magruder s American Government C H A P T E R 12 Congress in Action 2001 by Prentice Hall, Inc. C H A P T E R 12 The Federal Court System SECTION 1 Congress Organizes SECTION 2 Committees

More information

HOW TO TALK TO CONGRESS 101

HOW TO TALK TO CONGRESS 101 AUGUST 29, 2013 HOW TO TALK TO CONGRESS 101 PRESENTED BY: W. RON ALLEN, TRIBAL COUNCIL CHAIRMAN, JAMESTOWN S KLALLAM TRIBE LYNN MALERBA, MPH, RN, CHIEF, MOHEGHAN TRIBE JESSICA BURGER, RN, TRIBAL ADMINISTRATOR,

More information

ACCG Federal Update. Shawna Watley January 31, Copyright 2009 Holland & Knight LLP All Rights Reserved

ACCG Federal Update. Shawna Watley January 31, Copyright 2009 Holland & Knight LLP All Rights Reserved ACCG Federal Update Shawna Watley January 31, 2011 Copyright 2009 Holland & Knight LLP All Rights Reserved Preview of the First Session of the 112 th Congress The 112 th Congress Republicans win back House

More information

Congress. AP US Government Spring 2017

Congress. AP US Government Spring 2017 Congress AP US Government Spring 2017 Congressional Elections: House vs Senate Constituent: citizen who is represented by a member of Congress House is closer to constitutents House members come from individual

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

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

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

The U.S. Capitol Building, Washington D.C.

The U.S. Capitol Building, Washington D.C. The U.S. Capitol Building, Washington D.C. Demographics of Congress On the back of your warmup, create the following chart pertaining to the demographics of members of Congress: Percentage of Women Percentage

More information

UNIT 5-1 CONGRESS AND THE PRESIDENCY

UNIT 5-1 CONGRESS AND THE PRESIDENCY UNIT 5-1 CONGRESS AND THE PRESIDENCY STRUCTURE OF CONGRESS House of Representatives Senate Membership 435 members (apportioned by population) 100 members (two from each state) Term of office 2 years; entire

More information

Article I: Legislative Branch

Article I: Legislative Branch Article I: Legislative Branch Jobs of Congress Legislate- make the laws Lay and collect taxes Pass appropriations- authorizes the government to spend money Oversight- investigate how money is spent, how

More information

How Congress Is Organized

How Congress Is Organized SECTION How Congress Is Organized GUIDE TO READING Main Idea In Congress, members of each party select their own leaders and work mainly in committees to carry out their duties. Key Terms bicameral, census,

More information

Political Parties and Congressional Leadership /252 Fall 2012

Political Parties and Congressional Leadership /252 Fall 2012 Political Parties and Congressional Leadership 17.251/252 Fall 2012 Lecture Organization Natural history of political parties in the U.S. Why do parties exist? What explains varying levels of party cohesion

More information

CONGRESS 101. Understanding the Legislative Process NRMLA CONGRESSIONAL RELATIONS COMMITTEE

CONGRESS 101. Understanding the Legislative Process NRMLA CONGRESSIONAL RELATIONS COMMITTEE CONGRESS 101 Understanding the Legislative Process NRMLA CONGRESSIONAL RELATIONS COMMITTEE KEY PLAYERS To get these policies enacted, one of the first things that NRMLA will do is meet with key congressional

More information

Congressional Elections

Congressional Elections Name: Government In America, Chapter 12 Big Idea Questions Guided Notes The Representatives and Senators The Members: in total - 100 Senators and 435 members of the House Requirements to be a member 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

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

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

Constitution Handbook Reading Notes

Constitution Handbook Reading Notes Constitution Handbook Reading Notes How to Read the Constitution The Constitution is organized into 3 basic parts. -Articles -Sections -Clauses Section 1. Legislative powers; in whom vested Example ARTICLE

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

Exceptions to Symmetry. Congress: The Legislative Branch. In comparative perspective, Congress is unusual.

Exceptions to Symmetry. Congress: The Legislative Branch. In comparative perspective, Congress is unusual. Congress: The Legislative Branch In comparative perspective, Congress is unusual. Most legislatures, particularly in parliamentary systems, are relatively weak. Congress exhibits symmetric bicameralism:

More information

Franking Privileges Mail newsletters, surveys, and other correspondence Personal Staff Average Senator-30 staff members Privileges and Immunities

Franking Privileges Mail newsletters, surveys, and other correspondence Personal Staff Average Senator-30 staff members Privileges and Immunities AP Government Franking Privileges Mail newsletters, surveys, and other correspondence Personal Staff Average Senator-30 staff members Privileges and Immunities Except treason, felony, and breach of peace

More information

How a Bill becomes a Law TB

How a Bill becomes a Law TB How a Bill becomes a Law TB 182-194 4.6 Key Terms Bill Rider Engrossed Pocket Veto Joint Resolution Concurrent Resolution Pigeonholed Filibuster Omnibus Measure Discharge Petition Cloture Resolution Quorum

More information

Opener: Monday, April 11 th. The Almost Painless Guide to the Legislature Legislative Branch U.S. Government Structure in 5 Minutes

Opener: Monday, April 11 th. The Almost Painless Guide to the Legislature Legislative Branch U.S. Government Structure in 5 Minutes Opener: Monday, April 11 th The Almost Painless Guide to the Legislature Legislative Branch U.S. Government Structure in 5 Minutes Legislative Branch Congressional Structure The Constitution & the Legislative

More information

The Federalist, No. 51

The Federalist, No. 51 The Legislative Branch Fall, 2015 In republican government, the legislative authority necessarily predominates. The remedy for this inconveniency is to divide the legislature into different branches; and

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

The Legislative Branch

The Legislative Branch The Legislative Branch 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 The National Legislature

More information

Notes on Congress (a bit outdated but still worthwhile)

Notes on Congress (a bit outdated but still worthwhile) Notes on Congress (a bit outdated but still worthwhile) EVOLUTIONARY POWERS The elastic (or necessary and proper clause) gives Congress the authority to pass laws it deems necessary and proper to carry

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

Chapter Ten: The Congress

Chapter Ten: The Congress Chapter Ten: The Congress Learning Outcomes 1. Describe the various roles played by Congress and the constitutional basis of its powers. 2. Explain some of the differences between the House and the Senate

More information

Congressional Membership Section 1

Congressional Membership Section 1 The Organization of Congress Chapter 5 Congressional Membership Section 1 Introduction The Founders did not intend to make Congress a privileged group. They did intend to make the legislative branch the

More information

Unit 4 Test Bank Congress

Unit 4 Test Bank Congress Unit 4 Test Bank Congress 2) Which of the following did the framers of the Constitution conceive of as the center of policymaking in America? A) the President B) the people C) Congress D) the courts E)

More information

Topic 4 Structure and Functions of the Federal Government

Topic 4 Structure and Functions of the Federal Government Congress Topic 4 Structure and Functions of the Federal Government Objectives 1. Explain why the Constitution provides for a bicameral Congress 2. Explain the differences between a term and a session of

More information

THE PEOPLE S INFLUENCE

THE PEOPLE S INFLUENCE APGoPo - Unit 5.1 CH. 11 - CONGRESS The founding fathers intended for Congress to be the central policy-making body in the federal government. Although the power of Congress has fluctuated over the years,

More information

Video: The Big Picture IA_1/polisci/presidency/Edwards_Ch11_Congress_Seg1_v 2.

Video: The Big Picture IA_1/polisci/presidency/Edwards_Ch11_Congress_Seg1_v 2. Congress 11 Video: The Big Picture 11 http://media.pearsoncmg.com/ph/hss/ssa_shared_med IA_1/polisci/presidency/Edwards_Ch11_Congress_Seg1_v 2.html Learning Objectives 11 11.1 11.2 Characterize the backgrounds

More information

Distribution & Home Health

Distribution & Home Health Distribution & Home Health Post-Healthcare Reform Missouri Alliance for Home Care Presentation April 2011 Ashley Fishburn, HIDA Director, Government Affairs Patrick Lally, St. Louis Home Care Distributing,

More information

Chapter 10: Congress

Chapter 10: Congress Chapter 10: Congress Congress with all of its faults is the most representative body in the land. It reflects however imperfectly the bigness and diversity of America. It responds however imperfectly to

More information

LEARNING OBJECTIVES After studying Chapter 12, you should be able to: 1. Describe the characteristics of our senators and representatives, and the nature of their jobs. 2. Explain what factors have the

More information

State Legislatures. State & Local Government. Ch. 7

State Legislatures. State & Local Government. Ch. 7 State Legislatures State & Local Government Ch. 7 Legislature in some states is the dominant branch of govt. Highlights State Legislatures have 4 clear functions: 1. Making laws 2. Represent their constituents

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

Shelley Fuld Nasso Lindsay Houff

Shelley Fuld Nasso Lindsay Houff Shelley Fuld Nasso Lindsay Houff Staging Your Impact Overview of Congress Advocate Perspective Congressional Staff Member Perspective The Meeting The Ask Practice & Make a Plan Role Play Exercise House

More information

We the People: The Role of the Citizen in the United States

We the People: The Role of the Citizen in the United States We the People: The Role of the Citizen in the United States In the United States, the government gets its power to govern from the people. We have a government of the people, by the people, and for the

More information

CHAPTER 6: The legislative branch NAME

CHAPTER 6: The legislative branch NAME CHAPTER 6: The legislative branch NAME VOCAB 1. CONSTITUENT : voters represented by someone in a political office 2. CENSUS : government count of the population every 10 years 3. GERRYMANDER : drawing

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 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

CRS Report for Congress

CRS Report for Congress Order Code RS21908 Updated October 14, 2004 CRS Report for Congress Received through the CRS Web Senate Select Committee on Intelligence: Term Limits and Assignment Limitations Summary Judy Schneider Specialist

More information

AP AMERICAN GOVERNMENT UNIT 5: GOVERNMENT INSTITUTIONS FRQ s

AP AMERICAN GOVERNMENT UNIT 5: GOVERNMENT INSTITUTIONS FRQ s AP AMERICAN GOVERNMENT UNIT 5: GOVERNMENT INSTITUTIONS FRQ s CONGRESS 1. Article I of the Constitution discusses the powers of Congress. a. Define the EACH of the following powers: Expressed Implied Non-legislative

More information