1. Congress Lesson Objective: To understand the powers and responsibilities of the Legislative Branch Essential Questions: What is the purpose of the two houses of Congress? What powers does Congress have? What are the checks on Congressional Power?

2. Key Terms Bi-Cameral House of Representatives Senate Gerrymandering The Speaker of the House House Leadership Constituents Incumbency

3. Article I- Legislative Branch of Government Bi-Cameral institution Senate- Upper House – Two senators from each state 6 year terms (1/3 up fopr reelection every 2 years) 30 years old 9 years as U.S. resident & resident of the state Originally elected by state legislatures – 17 th Amendment House of Representatives- Lower House – Determined by population- Each state gets at least 1 2 year terms 25 years old 7 years a U.S. resident & resident of the state

4. Powers of Congress Article I, section 8: Law-making Lay and collect taxes and duties Declaration of war Coin Money Regulate commerce with foreign nations and between states Establish federal courts Establish bankruptcy laws Establish rules of immigration and naturalization Issue patents and copyrights Borrow money Define and punish piracy Provide for a militia Exercise power over D.C. Override presidential veto

5. The Elastic Clause The last power granted to Congress is to: – To make all laws necessary and proper to carry out the foregoing powers This allows Congress to expand its powers beyond what is stated in the Constitution Has been traditionally interpreted by the courts to give broad powers to Congress and the Federal government – Somewhat less in the past two decades Why is this an important part of the constitution?

6. The Senate Currently 100 members – More personal – Senators are generalists – Less formal – Weaker leadership Six year terms allow Senators to be less responsive to the people and take unpopular stances on issues Unique to the Senate – Filibuster- can talk a bill to death Filibuster Ended by cloture vote- need 60 votes – Vice president is presiding officer- rarely there (can vote to break ties) – Senate pro tempore- normally senior senator from majority party – Real power in Majority leader

7. Harry Reid- Senate Majority Leader

8. Mitch McConnell- Senate Minority Leader

9. The House of Representatives Fixed at 435 members House is much larger than the Senate – House has stricter rules governing debate – Stronger leadership – Members tend to be specialists in their fields ex. health/ education/ foreign affairs More Partisan – why? Unique powers: – All money bills must originate in the House – Impeachment occurs in the House – Speaker of the House is leader

11. The Speaker of the House & House Leadership Elected by entire house at beginning of each new session of Congress-Always from majority party- Not a rule; but a political fact – Serves until leaves the house, decides to step down, or party loses the majority Official head of the House of Representatives Second-in-line for presidency Other leadership positions- elected by their parties – Majority Leader- #2 in the House – Majority Whip- Job is to rally support for bills; make party members fall in line

12. PRESIDENTIAL LINE OF SUCCESSION

13. Speaker of the House John Boehner

14. Majority Leader Eric Cantor Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi

15. House of Representatives

16. The Senate

17. Unique Characteristics of the SenateUnique Characteristics of the HouseShared Characteristics

18. Being in Congress Two constituencies: – Party leaders, colleagues, and lobbyists (D.C.) – People in their home state or district Congressmen/women work long days with busy schedules- in D.C. and at home Goal is to be reelected – Balance needs of both constituencies to be reelected Incumbents have significant advantage in elections – Have name recognition and money that challengers do not- about 95% win reelection Most are older, richer, better educated and whiter than general population – Getting more diverse

19. Theories of Representation and Decision Making Trustee- use their own judgment Delegate- vote how their constituents want Politico- combination of the two, issue to issue Making Decisions – Party loyalty – Constituents – Colleagues and Caucuses – Interest groups and Super PACs

20. Who influences the decision? How? Who influences the decision? How? Who influences the decision? How? Who influences the decision? How?

21. Balance of Power Power shifts between Congress and other branches of Government – Since FDR, executive branch has wielded considerable power over Congress Congressional Oversight – Has power to review actions of government agencies- looks into fraud and other scandals Can seem like political attacks-any examples today? Foreign Affairs – Power to Declare War – War Powers Act – Ratification of treaties Impeachment Confirmation of Appointments Judicial review- biggest check on power of Congress by the courts

23. Congressional Elections Very different from Presidential Elections – Not as much media coverage – Most candidates are little known state legislators Name recognition – Incumbency advantage Incumbents win most elections – Get federal money – Franking privilege – Constituency service and access Incumbents lose for three main reasons – Coattails – Scandals – Redistricting

24. Midterm Elections President’s Party normally loses seats – Lower turnout – 2010 midterms- Republicans took back control of House and Democrats lost their super majority in the Senate Voter Turnout – Voters are better educated, richer, and older – Gender – Race – Interest Changes from year to year- candidates and issues play a big role in voter turnout

25. Congress Quiz 1.What Amendment provided for direct election of senators? 2.What is the most powerful position in Senate Leadership? 3.(T/F) Congress demographically represents the United States. 4.The House is (more/less) partisan than the Senate? 5.What is the Judicial Branch’s best check on legislative power?

26. Congressional Elections Quiz 1.What is the term for drawling politically motivated congressional districts? 2.What is the biggest advantage in Congressional elections? 3.What is the coattail effect? 4. (T/F) The President’s Party normally gains seats in Midterm elections. 5.The privilege of free mass mailings is called the ____________.