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Chapter 5 The Legislative Branch
American Civics 4/16/2017 Chapter 5 The Legislative Branch Section 1: The Senate and the House of Representatives Section 2: How Congress Is Organized Section 3: The Powers of Congress Section 4: How a Bill Becomes a Law Chapter 5
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Section 1: The Senate and the House of Representatives
The Main Idea Congress is divided into two houses, the Senate and the House of Representatives, and its members have certain qualifications. Reading Focus What are the two houses of Congress? What are the qualifications, salaries, and rules of conduct for members of Congress?
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Background Information
Section 1: The Senate and the House of Representatives Background Information Congress is bicameral Article I of US Constitution Historical—Parliament 2 chamber house settled conflict between NJ Plan and Virginia Plan (Connecticut Compromise)
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The House of Representatives:
Has 435 members Based on population (each state guaranteed 1) US Map of Congressional Districts / MO Map # set by Congress, not Constitution Reapportionment Act of 1929 US territories have 1 non-voting representative Census determines how seats are apportioned Gerrymandering (Illinois) (NC)
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The House of Representatives Cont…
Each state has # of reps as it does districts Elected to 2 year term (no term limits) Vacancies filled by Governor of that state
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US Senate 100 members 2 Senators from each state (50 x 2 = 100)
6 year term Staggered (33-34 senators elected every 2 years) Continuous body No term limits
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Qualifications House of Representatives 25 years old
Be a US citizen for 7 years Be a legal resident of the state represented
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Qualifications Senate 30 years old Be a US citizen for 9 years
Be a legal resident of the state represented
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Salary and Benefits $174,000 salary Offices in DC
Leaders get paid more Offices in DC Allowance for staff, local offices Free trips home Stationary allowance Franking privilege (free mail)
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Salary and Benefits Continued
Immunity while Congress is in session Parking spots at airports 2 gymnasiums, restaurant Health insurance Pension See the following sites for more information:
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Section 1: The Senate and the House of Representatives
Rules of Conduct: Qualifications for a seat determined by vote of Congress Misconduct: May lead to expulsion with a 2/3 vote May lead to censure
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removing a member from Congress
SECTION 1 Question: In what ways does Congress deal with misconduct by its members? Legislative Misconduct HOW DESCRIPTION written reprimand Censure removing a member from Congress Expulsion
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Section 2: How Congress Is Organized
The Main Idea Congress is organized in a way that allows its members to consider and pass legislation without each member having to do everything. Reading Focus What are the terms and sessions of Congress? How is Congress organized?
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Congressional Terms and Sessions
Section 2: How Congress Is Organized Congressional Terms and Sessions Two sessions per term Sessions begin on January 3 each year Usually adjourn in August or September The president may call a special session when necessary. Joint Session
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Organization Section 2: How Congress Is Organized
House of Representatives Presiding officer is the Speaker of the House Majority/Minority Leaders Party whips—persuade members to vote for legislation Caucuses 24 Committees
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Organization Section 2: How Congress Is Organized Senate
Vice president is President of the Senate President pro tempore “For the time being” Majority/Minority floor leaders Majority/ Minority floor whips Senate has 20 committees Chairperson
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Congressional Committees
Section 2: How Congress Is Organized Congressional Committees Study all bills before they are presented to Congress Members are nominated to committee assignments. Senators serve on at least two standing committees. Representatives serve on only two standing committees. Standing committee membership is proportionate to party majority in each house. Heads of Committee are now chosen by secret vote.
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Websites Congressional Leadership Congressional Committees House
Congressional Committees House Senate
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SECTION 2 Question: When does a session of Congress begin, and how long does it last? When Sessions Begin How Long They Last The first session begins January 3 in odd-numbered years following the congressional election in November. The second session begins January 3 of the following year. Sessions last as long as Congress wishes. Adjournment dates are selected by Congress.
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The Constitution both defines and limits the powers of Congress.
Section 3: The Powers of Congress The Main Idea The Constitution both defines and limits the powers of Congress. Reading Focus What types of powers are granted to Congress? What are some of the limits on the powers of Congress?
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Delegated Powers Section 3: The Powers of Congress
Powers specifically listed in Constitution Raise and collect taxes Borrow Money Print and coin money Regulate trade w/foreign countries and among the states
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Delegated Powers Cont…
Declare war and maintain armed forces Set up a national court system Regulate immigration / naturalization Govern territories Provide for the admission of new states
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Implied powers Necessary and proper clause (Art. 1 Sec. 8)
“Power to make all laws necessary and proper…” AKA “Elastic Clause” Allows Congress to “stretch” its delegated powers McCulloch v. Maryland (1819) Ex: Military academies, Federal Reserve Act
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Impeachment Powers Impeach Treason
House votes to impeach federal official Senate tries official Treason
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The special powers of Congress:
Section 3: The Powers of Congress The special powers of Congress: House initiates bills to raise money elects president when no candidate receives sufficient electoral votes Starts impeachment process
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The special powers of Congress:
Senate Holds impeachment trials Selects vice president when no candidate has sufficient electoral votes Approves treaties Approves high officials House is more active while Senate is more cautious
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Congress is forbidden to: (p. 146)
Section 3: The Powers of Congress Congress is forbidden to: (p. 146) Pass ex post facto laws Pass bills of attainder Suspend writ of habeas corpus Tax exports Pass laws violating the Bill of Rights Favor one state over another state Grant titles of nobility Withdraw money without a law
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regulating and encouraging U.S. trade and industry
SECTION 3 Question: What are the five major areas in which Congress has the power to make laws? defending the country financing government Congressional Powers providing for growth enforcing laws regulating and encouraging U.S. trade and industry
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The Main Idea Reading Focus
Section 4: How a Bill Becomes a Law The Main Idea To become a law, a bill goes through a multistage process involving both houses of Congress. Reading Focus How does a bill begin? How do the House and the Senate consider a bill? In what ways can the president act on the bill?
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How a bill begins A bill is a… Can be introduced in either house
Except appropriation bills A law was first a bill
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Sources of legislation:
Section 4: How a Bill Becomes a Law Sources of legislation: U.S. citizens—constituents making requests of their congress members Organized groups—businesspeople and labor groups seeking to protect their interests Committees of Congress—investigating committees determine needs for new laws Members of Congress—experts in certain fields propose new laws The president—often introduces ideas for laws in the State of the Union Address
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Bills introduced in House (p. 151)
Section 4: How a Bill Becomes a Law Bills introduced in House (p. 151) Are read and placed in the Congressional Record. Given a title and number Are sent to a standing committee to be studied. Committee recommends changes, approves Placed on the calendar for debate Speaker of the House decision House rules committee sets guidelines for debate Time, amendments Quorum needed for vote Vote taken
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Bills introduced in Senate (p. 151)
Section 4: How a Bill Becomes a Law Bills introduced in Senate (p. 151) Same as H of R action Debate Filibuster Cloture Bill sent to President House and Senate bills MUST be identical If not, sent to “Conference Committee” where members of both houses iron out differences and send it back to each house for final vote
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President Acts on Bill Section 4: How a Bill Becomes a Law
Can do 3 things: sign the bill and declare it a law veto the bill and send it back to Congress hold the bill for 10 days Becomes a law if Congress in session “Pocket Veto”
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Overriding a Veto Section 4: How a Bill Becomes a Law
Requires 2/3 vote in each house Veto threat influences Congress
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SECTION 4 Question: What actions can the president take regarding a passed bill? If Congress is in session, the BILL BECOMES LAW, even without a signature. SIGNS THE BILL and it becomes law The president KEEPS the BILL for 10 DAYS without signing or vetoing it: The president ACTS on a Bill If Congress is not in session, the bill is killed by POCKET VETO. REFUSES TO SIGN and sends back to Congress with rejection reasons – called a VETO.
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Chapter 5 Wrap-Up 1. Why did the framers of the Constitution create a bicameral national legislature? 2. What two methods does Congress have to deal with misconduct by its members? 3. Who leads the houses of Congress, and how are these leaders chosen? 4. Why is most of the work of Congress done through committees? 5. What special powers does each house of Congress have? 6. How do bills become laws? 7. What can the president do with a bill passed by Congress?
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