Congress Unit 3 Lesson 3

The Workings of Congress Both the House and the Senate begin their sessions, the period of time each year when Congress meets, usually start in early January. Each session usually lasts until their work is done. Congress does not adjourn, bring an end to the meeting, until late Fall. Congress has a short time off from Mid-November to January. Why then?

The Workings of Congress As the end nears, senators and representatives will vote on the date to adjourn. If a problem occurs after the session is over the President can ask Congress to come back fro a special session. Example President Roosevelt calling a special session to deal with a HUGE problem in America and the world. Do you know what that problem was? Why would FDR call Congress back for a special session? What was he hoping to happen?

The Duties of Congress MOST Important job Making laws Congress can also: Collect taxes Maintain the armed forces Regulate, to control or direct, trade Suggest amendments to be made to the Constitution Punish certain crimes

The Duties of Congress Another important job is that Congress MUST check on the other 2 branches to make sure there is always a balance of power. The House of Representatives can impeach, or accuse a public official of a crime. The Senate then conducts, puts on, a trial to convict or acquits, drops the charges against, that person.

Examples of Impeachment Example 1(most famous case) Congress investigated whether or not the President Nixon had any knowledge of people under his control breaking the law The House was about to debate his impeachment, a charge of wrong doing by a public official, when Nixon resigned, to announce that a person is leaving a job, in 1974

Other Presidential Impeachments Example 2(2nd most famous case) William Clinton December 19, 1998 President of the United States accused of lying under oath during an investigation Acquitted on February 12, 1999

Other Presidential Impeachments Andrew Johnson February 24, 1868 President of the United States accused of abusing his powers by firing another official without going through the proper channels Acquitted on May 26, 1868

Food for Thought Presidents aren’t the only ones who can be impeached, they just usually are the ones that make the news. Why? Why is it important to have this check in the system of checks and balance?