1. Chapter Nine: The Congress

2. Learning Outcomes LO 1 Describe the various roles played by Congress and the constitutional basis of its powers. LO 2 Explain some of the differences between the House and the Senate, and some of the privileges enjoyed by members of Congress. LO 3 Examine the implications of apportioning House seats. LO 4 Describe the committee structure of the House and the Senate, and specify the key leadership positions in each chamber. LO 5 Discuss the process by which a bill becomes law and how the federal government establishes its budget. Copyright © 2015 Cengage Learning 2

3. The Nature and Functions of Congress Bicameralism The Lawmaking Function The Representation Function The trustee view of representation The instructed-delegate view of representation Copyright © 2015 Cengage Learning 3

4. Senator Kelly Ayotte (R., N.H.) receives an award from the Women’s Democracy Network (WDN). The network is a project of the International Republican Institute, which in turn is sponsored by the Republican Party. The WDN is active in sixty-one nations. Why might U.S. political parties sponsor nonprofit organizations to work around the world? Copyright © 2015 Cengage Learning 4

5. The Nature and Functions of Congress Service to Constituents The Oversight Function The Public-Education Function The Conflict-Resolution Function Copyright © 2015 Cengage Learning 5

6. The Nature and Functions of Congress The Powers of Congress Enumerated powers Powers of the Senate Constitutional amendments The necessary and proper clause Copyright © 2015 Cengage Learning 6

7. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D., Mass.) is a well known critic of the banking industry. Why might such a record help a senator get elected? Copyright © 2015 Cengage Learning 7

8. House-Senate Differences and Congressional Perks Size and Rules Debate and Filibustering Cloture Increased use of the filibuster Reconciliation Copyright © 2015 Cengage Learning 8

9. House-Senate Differences and Congressional Perks Congresspersons and the Citizenry: A Comparison Perks and Privileges Permanent professional staffs Privileges and immunities under law Copyright © 2015 Cengage Learning 9

10. Congressional Elections and Apportionment Candidates for Congressional Elections Presidential effects The power of incumbency Copyright © 2015 Cengage Learning 10

11. Congressional Elections and Apportionment Apportionment of the House Gerrymandering Copyright © 2015 Cengage Learning 11 The Original Gerrymander

12. Congressional Elections and Apportionment Gerrymandering How Gerrymandering Works Redistricting after the 2012 Census Copyright © 2015 Cengage Learning 12

13. Examples of Districting Copyright © 2015 Cengage Learning 13

14. The Fourth Congressional District of Illinois Copyright © 2015 Cengage Learning 14

15. How Congress is Organized The Power of Committees Types of Congressional Committees Standing Select Joint Conference House Rules Copyright © 2015 Cengage Learning 15

16. HOUSE COMMITTEES AgricultureForeign AffairsScience and Technology AppropriationsHomeland SecuritySmall Business Armed ServicesHouse AdministrationStandards of Official Conduct BudgetJudiciaryTransportation and Infrastructure Education and the Workforce Natural ResourcesVeterans’ Affairs Energy and Commerce Oversight and Government Reform Ways and Means Financial ServicesRules Copyright © 2015 Cengage Learning 16

17. SENATE COMMITTEES Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Energy and Natural Resources Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs AppropriationsEnvironment and Public Works Judiciary Armed ServicesFinanceRules and Administration Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Foreign RelationsSmall Business and Entrepreneurship BudgetHealth, Education, Labor, and Pensions Veterans’ Affairs Commerce, Science, and Transportation Copyright © 2015 Cengage Learning 17

18. In 2013, President Obama named Chuck Hagel to be Secretary of Defense. Even though Hagel was a former Republican senator from Nebraska, he received an intense grilling from the Senate Armed Services Committee. He was eventually confirmed, but forty-one Republicans voted against him. What kinds of questions might senators have asked him? Copyright © 2015 Cengage Learning 18

19. Representative Paul Ryan (R., Wisconsin) chairs the House Budget Committee. He holds in his hands a program to cut federal government spending. Why does his position as chair give Ryan significant powers? Copyright © 2015 Cengage Learning 19

20. How Congress is Organized The Selection of Committee Members Seniority system Leadership in the House Speaker Majority and Minority Leaders Whip Copyright © 2015 Cengage Learning 20

21. Former House minority leader John Boehner (R., Ohio) became Speaker of the House in January 2011 after the Republicans won control of the House in the 2010 elections. The former Speaker, Nancy Pelosi (D., Calif.), had to step down. She then became the minority leader. Does the Speaker normally participate in floor debate? Copyright © 2015 Cengage Learning 21

22. How Congress is Organized Leadership in the Senate President pro tempore Senate majority leader Senate minority leader Whip Copyright © 2015 Cengage Learning 22

23. After the Democrats took control of the U.S. Senate in the 2006 elections, Republican senator Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, right, was elected Senate minority leader. Democratic senator Harry Reid of Nevada, left, became the Senate majority leader. Both were reelected to their leadership positions after the 2012 elections. It is very rare for a congressional leader to become president. How might a congressional leadership position interfere with presidential aspirations? Copyright © 2015 Cengage Learning 23

24. Patrick Leahy (D., Vt.) is the Democrat with the longest continuous term of service in the U.S. Senate. For that reason, he serves as the president pro tempore of the Senate. What powers, if any, does Leahy gain by holding this position? Copyright © 2015 Cengage Learning 24

25. Lawmaking and Budgeting How Much Will the Government Spend? Preparing the Budget OMB reviews the budget The election-year budget Copyright © 2015 Cengage Learning 25

26. Lawmaking and Budgeting Congress Faces the Budget The authorization process The appropriation process Evading the ban on earmarks Budget Resolutions and Crises Copyright © 2015 Cengage Learning 26

27. The Budget Cycle Copyright © 2015 Cengage Learning 27

28. Lawmaking and Budgeting Budget Resolutions and Crises The continuing resolution The federal debt ceiling The fiscal cliff and the sequester Copyright © 2015 Cengage Learning 28

29. New Polling Shows Public Disapproval for the President and Congress Copyright © 2015 Cengage Learning 29 Click picture to play video

30. New Polling Shows Public Disapproval for the President and Congress Taking a closer look: 1. Will falling public approval have a major impact on the next election cycle? 2. Do you believe your representatives should serve as trustees or as instructed delegates? 3. Does public opinion polling hinder the lawmaking function of Congress? Copyright © 2015 Cengage Learning 30