Foundations of United States Citizenship Lesson 5, Chapter 61 U.S. National Government

From the Reading When Does Congress Meet? What types of bills does Congress decide? How is the president elected? What are the rules for presidential succession? What types of cases are heard in federal courts?

Responses Each term starts on Jan 3 in odd-numbered years and lasts for 2 years – is divided into 2 sessions – Congress may also meet in special sessions Private bills, public bills, resolutions Through Electoral College – each state appoints electors who vote for one of the major candidates 1947 Presidential Succession Act – Vice Pres., Speaker of House, President Pro Tempore of Senate, Sec of State, then other members of cabinet Federal, state, or Constitution-related cases

Foundations of United States Citizenship Lesson 5, Chapter 6, U.S. National Government 4 Motivation The role of each branch of our government is outlined in the U.S. Constitution. The government has also had to adapt to changes over time.

Foundations of United States Citizenship Lesson 5, Chapter 6, U.S. National Government 5 What is the function of the legislative branch? Legislative branch has 535 members. Primary role is to make new laws and address issues. Elected representatives are known as members of Congress.

Foundations of United States Citizenship Lesson 5, Chapter 6, U.S. National Government 6 When does Congress meet? Each term of Congress Starts on January 3 in odd-numbered years Lasts for two years Is divided into two sessions Congress may also meet in special sessions.

Foundations of United States Citizenship Lesson 5, Chapter 6, U.S. National Government 7 What are the two parts of Congress? At the Constitutional Convention in 1787, the delegates decided that Congress would be a bicameral body. The two parts of Congress became the House of Representatives and the Senate.

Foundations of United States Citizenship Lesson 5, Chapter 6, U.S. National Government 8 What are the two parts of Congress? (cont’d) House of Representatives Larger body of Congress 435 voting members, allotted to the states according to population One representative for each district in a state Two-year terms Focusing on concerns in individual districts

Foundations of United States Citizenship Lesson 5, Chapter 6, U.S. National Government 9 What are the two parts of Congress? (cont’d) Senate 100 members, 2 from each state Each senator represents entire state Terms of 6 years No more than one-third of senators up for reelection at same time

Foundations of United States Citizenship Lesson 5, Chapter 6, U.S. National Government 10 What are the roles of Congressional leaders? At beginning of each term, party members in each house choose leaders. Speaker of the House Is most powerful leader within the House of Representatives Steers legislation Takes charge of floor debates Is in line of presidential succession

Foundations of United States Citizenship Lesson 5, Chapter 6, U.S. National Government 11 What are the roles of congressional leaders? (cont’d) Senate has no leader with power comparable to that of the Speaker of the House. The vice president, rarely attends Senate debates and votes only in case of a tie. The presiding officer of the Senate is the president pro-tempore.

Foundations of United States Citizenship Lesson 5, Chapter 6, U.S. National Government 12 What are the roles of congressional leaders? (cont’d) Floor leaders In the Senate: the real leaders In the House: most powerful besides the Speaker Speak for their parties on issues Push bills along Try to sway votes Party “whips” Help the floor leaders

Foundations of United States Citizenship Lesson 5, Chapter 6, U.S. National Government 13 What is the function of congressional committees? Detailed work of lawmaking is done in committee. Standing committees—permanent committees that continue their work from session to session Select committees—committees created to do a special job for a limited period

Foundations of United States Citizenship Lesson 5, Chapter 6, U.S. National Government 14 What is the function of congressional committees? (cont’d) Joint committees—committees that include members of both houses Conference committees—temporary committees that help the House and Senate agree on the details of proposed laws

Foundations of United States Citizenship Lesson 5, Chapter 6, U.S. National Government 15 What is the function of congressional committees? (cont’d) Leaders of political parties make committee assignments. They consider members’ Preferences Expertise Loyalty Seniority

Foundations of United States Citizenship Lesson 5, Chapter 6, U.S. National Government 16 What is the function of congressional committees? (cont’d) Longest-serving committee member from majority party usually becomes chairperson. A chairperson of a standing committee decides When and if a committee will meet What bills will be studied Who will serve on which subcommittees

Foundations of United States Citizenship Lesson 5, Chapter 6, U.S. National Government 17 What types of bills does Congress consider? Private bills concern individual people or places. Public bills apply to the entire nation and involve general matters. Congress also considers resolutions.

Foundations of United States Citizenship Lesson 5, Chapter 6, U.S. National Government 18 How does a bill become a law? Every bill starts with an idea. Sources include Members of Congress Private citizens The White House Special-interest groups

Foundations of United States Citizenship Lesson 5, Chapter 6, U.S. National Government 19 How does a bill become a law? (cont’d) Only senators and representatives can introduce bills. Every bill is given a title and number. The bill is sent to the appropriate standing committee. The chairperson of the committee decides if the bill merits attention. Standing committees have life-and-death power over bills.

Foundations of United States Citizenship Lesson 5, Chapter 6, U.S. National Government 20 How does a bill become a law? (cont’d) Bills approved in committee are considered by the full House or Senate. Bills are put on calendars in chronological order. The Rules Committee controls the House schedule. When bills reach the floor, members debate the pros and cons. They may also discuss amendments. The Senate allows riders to be tacked onto a bill.

Foundations of United States Citizenship Lesson 5, Chapter 6, U.S. National Government 21 How does a bill become a law? (cont’d) In the House, the Rules Committee sets the terms for debate. Senate has fewer rules. No limit on time No requirement to address topic Can filibuster Can end filibuster with cloture

Foundations of United States Citizenship Lesson 5, Chapter 6, U.S. National Government 22 How does a bill become a law? (cont’d) Members of Congress may vote on a law in several ways: Voice vote Standing vote Computerized voting system Roll-call vote (Senate)

Foundations of United States Citizenship Lesson 5, Chapter 6, U.S. National Government 23 How does a bill become a law? (cont’d) A simple majority of all members that are present is needed to pass a bill. If a bill passes in one house, it is sent to the other. If either house rejects a bill, it dies. The Senate and House must pass a bill in identical form.

Foundations of United States Citizenship Lesson 5, Chapter 6, U.S. National Government 24 How does a bill become a law? (cont’d) After both houses of Congress approve a bill, it goes to the president. Four possibilities President signs bill, and it becomes law. President vetoes bill. President does nothing for ten days. Result depends on whether Congress is in session. Congress can override a presidential veto.

Foundations of United States Citizenship Lesson 5, Chapter 6, U.S. National Government 25 Lesson review Function of the legislative branch Make new laws Address issues facing the country Typical session of Congress lasts from January until November or December. May also meet for a special session or a joint session

Foundations of United States Citizenship Lesson 5, Chapter 6, U.S. National Government 26 Lesson review (cont’d) Two parts of Congress House of Representatives Senate House of Representatives Larger body: 435 voting members Members allotted to states according to population

Foundations of United States Citizenship Lesson 5, Chapter 6, U.S. National Government 27 Lesson review (cont’d) Senate 100 members, 2 from each state Each senator represents entire state Terms of 6 years Elections staggered