Legislative Branch- Led by Congress, they make the laws for our Nation. Congress- legislative body made up of the Senate and House of Reps. Impeachment- Power to remove an official for violating the Constitution.

1. Explain how the philosophical ideas of the Enlightenment influenced the writing of the Constitution? 2. Describe how our constitutional democracy depends on popular sovereignty and also limits the power of government? 3. Why is our Constitution considered a “Living Document”? 4. Explain how our Constitution is based on Federalism? Which amendment makes that clear? 5. What compromise created the Legislative Branch?

1. The US has 4 branches of government. 2. Powers granted to the Federal government are called Delegated Powers. 3. The leader of the Judicial branch is the US Superior Court. 4. The main job of the Legislative Branch is to make laws. 5. The President has the power to declare war.

EQ: Explain how the 3 branches of government use their specific powers and checks and balances to run our country?

Article I

Our Congress is Bicameral…meaning: It is divided into 2 houses: Senate and House of Representatives What is their main job? Make and change laws for the nation.

SenateHouse of Rep. Size100 members435 Term6 yrs.2 yrs. LeaderVP (president Pro Tempore)Speaker of the House Based onEqual RepresentationPopulation  Each representative comes from a district in a state  NC has 13 districts  According to the representative we are his/her constituent  Apportionment-all districts must have equal representation…1 man=1 vote

Expressed Powers: These are listed in the Constitution. 1. Declare War 2. Create and maintain military 3. Borrow and spend $ 4. Collect Taxes 5. Regulate Commerce- Interstate and Foreign Trade

Implied Powers: Powers not listed in the Constitution (necessary & proper/elastic clause) “stretches” 1. Power to impeach. (House of Rep: charges you, Senate: jury 2. Approve/Reject presidential nominations 3. Chooses Prez. If Electoral College doesn’t produce victor 4. Proposes Amendments (2/3rds Congress)

1. Writ of Habeas Corpus Order that requires police to bring you to court 2. Bills of attainder Cannot punish you without jury trial 3. Ex Posto Facto Laws Makes an act illegal after its been committed

SenateHouse of Rep Must be 30 yrs old25 yrs old US citizen for 9 yrsUS citizen for 7 yrs Live in state Common Background College Degree ½ Lawyers Active in gov’t early Held prior offices

1. Majority Leader elected leader of the majority party 2. Minority Leader elected leader of the minority party 3. Majority and Minority Whip The whip’s job is to make sure that members of the party vote the way the party leadership wants them to.

1. Starts out as an idea and a Bill is written 2. Sent to committee The committee is lead by a committee chairperson chosen by the seniority system The committee can pass the bill, makes changes, ignore it and let it die, and then recommend for approval or kill it 3. Sent to the floor of house it originated for debate and vote Senators have the power to filibuster in order to delay a vote on a bill (cloture) 4. Sent to other house for debate and vote

5. Sent to president If he signs it the bill becomes a law If he vetoes the bill it is sent back to Congress 6. Congress can override veto with 2/3 majority…Bill then becomes law.

Complete your Graphic Organizer

Directions: Your role today will be to act like a Congressman or woman. Your job is to try and get a bill passed in this classroom. Through this activity you will be able to experience the law making process itself and the frustrations that come along with it. Make sure that you word your Bill correctly and make it clear, concise and to the point. Bills that are worded poorly will have less of a chance of being selected by the committee and a greater chance of being vetoed by the President (All Hail President Mason!) EX: Poorly worded Bill- Mr. Mason’s class will watch movies every Friday. EX: Properly worded Bill- Students in Mr. Mason’s class will be able to watch a movie on the Friday following a test provided everyone receives a passing grade.

1. What are the steps for how a Bill becomes a Law? 2. Explain how the principle of popular sovereignty allows citizens to hold representatives accountable and ensures the protection of the peoples rights? 3. Describe how our Constitutional Democracy establishes and limits the authority of the Legislative Branch? 4. What techniques are used to block legislation?