1. Congress at Work Chapter 6

2.  Turn to Chapter 6, Section 1  Using ALL of the “Political Dictionary” terms write a fictitious story. The words should be used in their proper context, but your story DOES NOT have to be about the American Congress. If you do not know what a word means…just do your best with its definition.  The words MUST remain in the same order they are listed in. Short Story Activity

3.  Congress does a great job!!!! Nothing in the world operates quite like it.  Congress does a terrible job!!!! It is slow, complicated, and operates on mazelike rules. TRUTH…both are right. The key is that we appreciate the system and understand its responsibilities. Organization of Congress Differing views…

4.  House - ?Is there a limit?  President - ?Is there a limit?  Senate - ?In there a limit? Elections take place every even-numbered year in November. 2012 – President, House, 1/3 Senate 2014 – House, 1/3 Senate (Midterm Elections) 2016 – President, House, 1/3 Senate Terms and Sessions

5. Quorum : majority of members must be present to conduct business. Term limit : legal limits on the number of terms a person can serve. Incumbents : present officeholders running for re-election. Censure : disciplinary measure Expulsion : 2/3 vote to formally remove a member from office. Terms

6. Speaker of the House: John Boehner (R-OH) Majority Floor Leader: Eric Cantor (R-VA) Minority Floor Leader: Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) Maj Whip: Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) Min Whip: Steny Hoyer (D-MD) House Leadership

7. President of the Senate: Joe Biden (VP) President Pro Temp: Daniel Inouye (D-HI) Majority Floor Leader: Harry Reed (D-NY) Minority Floor Leader: Mitch McConnell (D-KY) Maj Whip: Dick Durbin (D-IL) Min Whip: Jon Kyl (R-AZ) Senate Leadership

8. 1.Do you think there should be more enforcement of ethics in today’s Congress? (Heck, all branches.) 2.Do you support term limits for members of Congress? Explain your opinion. 3.Do you think congressional leadership should be determined by parties? Explain your position. BIG QUESTIONS?

9.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VxT7QjlvDqM http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VxT7QjlvDqM How a bill becomes a law