1. Copyright Atomic Dog Publishing, 2006 Chapter 11 Congress, cont’d

2. Copyright Atomic Dog Publishing, 2006 Other Senate Duties Confirmation of Supreme Court justices Confirmation of Cabinet officers Approval of formal treaties (2/3 vote required) Conducts the trial if the House votes to impeach; 2/3 vote required to convict.

3. Copyright Atomic Dog Publishing, 2006 Conference Committee Reconciles bills if the House and Senate versions differ Only those who voted for the bill in their chamber can serve; may lead to strategic voting House version of bills usually predominates Conference bill must then pass both Houses

4. Copyright Atomic Dog Publishing, 2006 Overriding a Presidential Veto Important check on executive power Requires 2/3 majority in both Houses More common under divided governments

5. Copyright Atomic Dog Publishing, 2006 Other responsibilities of Congress Holding hearings on complex or controversial issues Power to subpoena documents and require testimony from the executive branch Oversight of bureaucracy and regulatory agencies

6. Copyright Atomic Dog Publishing, 2006 How Do Representatives Vote? Party is usually the best predictor State or district interests, esp. for “pork barrel” spending Their “core constituency” of supporters/ contributors Recommendations of committees Public opinion

7. Copyright Atomic Dog Publishing, 2006 Attitudes Toward Congress Public skepticism about corruption, partisanship Low ratings for Congress as a whole Higher ratings for individual Senators or Representatives Votes for incumbents; challengers weak or absent Can use midterm votes to protest a bad economy or Presidential policies