1. THE STRUCTURE AND POWERS OF CONGRESS THE STRUCTURE AND POWERS OF CONGRESS I.The bicameral structure: two chambers. A. Many other nations have two house legislatures, but the “upper house” is largely ceremonial (e.g., British House of Lords). B. Purpose of bicameralism is to protect against an overly powerful legislature. C. House of Rep’s was expected to reflect popular will of average citizen. D. Senate was to provide more stability, continuity, and in-depth deliberation. E. Bicameralism acts as a moderating effect on partisanship, and prevents government from steamrolling ahead and infringing on people’s rights. F. Bicameralism was part of the Connecticut (Great) Compromise at the Const. Conven. G. See chart in book showing differences between House and Senate.

2. II. Delegated powers granted to the national government A.Expressed/enumerated: actually spelled out in the Const. Levy taxes (revenue bills must begin in House). Spend money for common defense and public welfare. 3.Borrow money. 4.Regulate foreign, interstate, Indian commerce. This clause has been tested frequently in the courts due to its broad interpretation by Congress. 5.Establish naturalization and bankruptcy laws.

3. A. Expressed/enumerated: actually spelled out in the Const. 6.Coin money. 7.Establish weights and measures. 8.Punish counterfeiters. 9.Establish post offices. 10.Grant copyrights and patents. 11.Create courts inferior to Supreme Court. 12.Define and punish piracy. 13.Declare war. 14.Raise and support an army and navy.

4. B. Implied powers: suggested, but not actually expressed, in the Const. 1.Based upon elastic clause. 2.Examples: national bank, conscription, paper money, air force, CIA 3.Strict v. loose constructionist approaches.

5. C. Inherent powers C. Inherent powers 1. Powers the national government has simply by virtue of being a sovereign govt. 1. Powers the national government has simply by virtue of being a sovereign govt. 2. Examples: regulating immigration, acquiring territory, granting diplomatic recognition 2. Examples: regulating immigration, acquiring territory, granting diplomatic recognition

6. A.Senate ratifies treaties with 2/3 vote. B.Senate approves presidential appointments with majority vote. C.House votes for impeachment (majority vote needed), Senate tries impeachment cases (2/3 vote needed to convict). Who is subject to impeachment: Pres, VP, and “all civil officers of the United States” D.House elects President if no electoral majority, Senate elects V.P. E.Proposal of constitutional amendments with 2/3 vote in both houses. F.Each can seat, unseat, and punish (e.g., censure) own members. IV. Institutional powers, i.e., those that relate to system of checks and balances

7. V. Powers Denied to Congress A. Passing ex post facto laws. B. Passing bills of attainder. C. Suspending habeas corpus except in cases of rebellion or invasion.

8. Video: Gerrymandering  http://www.snagfilms.com/films/title/gerrym andering http://www.snagfilms.com/films/title/gerrym andering http://www.snagfilms.com/films/title/gerrym andering