1. Congress Chapter 9

2. Why was Congress Created? framers experienced the weakness of the congress under the Articles of Confederation “ The Great Compromise ” Bicameralism Article 1, sec 1 of constitution: “ All Legislative powers shall be vested in Congress ”

3. The Functions of Congress Lawmaking representation –as a trustee –as an instructed delegate –as a combination of roles oversight public education- press conference, floor debate etc. conflict resolution- accommodation laws

4. The Powers of Congress Enumerated powers (Article I, section 8): –impose taxes –borrow and spend money –regulate commerce –coin money –establish court system –declare war –raise an army

5. Powers of Senate Treaties Remove officials from office Filibuster Presidential nominations

6. The Powers of Congress (cont.) Implied powers –from the necessary and proper clause –from the Supreme Court’s ruling in McCulloch v Maryland (1819) McCulloch v Maryland allows Congress to enact laws directly related to the enumerated powers

8. Differences Between the House and the Senate © 2004 Wadsworth Publishing / Thomson Learning™

9. Congressional Elections operated by individual state governments House of Representatives elected every two years by popular ballot number of seats is determined by population each state has at least one representative each district has about a half million residents U.S. Senate elected every six years by popular ballot one third of the Senate is elected every two years each state has two Senators

10. Congressional Reapportionment reapportionment – determining the amount of seats in the House of Rep among states after each census & redistricting – the redrawing of the boundaries of the districts within each state –gerrymandering

11. The Committee Structure of Congress standing committees select committees conference committees House Rules Committee

12. Leadership in the U.S. Congress U.S. Senate President of Senate President pro tem

13. Leadership in the U.S. Congress House of Representatives Speaker of the House Senate & House Majority Leaders Congressional Whips

15. Bills in house & senate H.Con.Res. 4 (ih) Expressing the sense of the Congress that the United States Postal Service should issue commemorative postage stamps honoring Americans who distinguished themselves by their service in the armed forces. [Introduced in House] H.Con.Res. 11 (ih) Requiring the display of the Ten Commandments in the Hall of the House of Representatives and the Chamber of the Senate. [Introduced in House] H.Con.Res. 19 (ih) Expressing the sense of Congress that the people of the United States should observe the 60th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, a Nazi death camp during World War II, and honor all the victims of the Holocaust, and for other purposes. [Introduced in House

16. H.Con.Res. 25 (rfs) Recognizing the contributions of Jibreel Khazan (Ezell Blair, Jr.), David Richmond, Joseph McNeil, and Franklin McCain, the ``Greensboro Four'', to the civil rights movement. [Referred in Senate] H.Con.Res. 44 (rfs) Recognizing the historical significance of the Mexican holiday of Cinco de Mayo. [Referred in Senate] ? of all bills become law

17. Discussion Why is it relatively easy to kill a bill in Congress? How much power do congressional leaders have? How is the average member of Congress different from the average American? Why do incumbents usually win reelection? What are important differences between the House and Senate? Earmarks & pork At issue: Redistricting pg 230 Representatives (p 241)