1. The Legislative Branch Zachary Huang Sonny Ho Isaiah Lin

2. Structure of Congress Bicameral or two-house legislature consisting of the House of Representatives and the Senate House consists of 435 members apportioned by population, term is 2 years with the entire house elected every 2 years, must be at least 25 years of age and a citizen for 7 years Senate consists of 100 members(2 from each state), term is 6 years with one-third of the Senate elected every 2 years, must be at least 30 years of age and a citizen for 9 years The Senate is usually more prestigious

3. The House and the Senate Congress designed to be branch of government that is most responsible for the development of the republic Only federal branch where people directly elect members Given bulk of duties listed in the constitution Most of the laws written concern the actions of congress

4. Duties of Congress Creates laws – Designed to be complex and deliberate – Vast majority of potential ideas rejected – Compromise required Constitutional Duties – Taxation – Interstate commerce – Declarations of war – Organizing the military – The “Elastic Clause” has allowed Congress to add to its responsibilities and powers

5. Other Duties Beyond creating legislation – Expected to help if constituents face problems with bureaucracy – Expected to help with local disasters and conflicts – Work with local and state leaders – Meet with civic groups – Oversees national conflicts and problems – React and compromise to president’s agenda – Approve presidential appointments

6. Other Duties (cont.) Federal Budget – Develops annual federal budget – Fiscal Year Budget starts October 1 st, ends end of following September – Office of Management and Budget first creates budget – Congress Prioritizes items – Creates national tax system to fund budget – If Congress can’t create taxes that cover the budget, they must take responsibility for allowing nation to borrow the needed funds

7. Committee System Too many ideas presented to Congress – Committee system devised to divide the duties of Congress into smaller units Led by a Seniority system where the longest length of committee service chosen as chairperson Types of committees – A standing committee is a permanent committee that deals with specific policy matters – A select committee is a temporary committee appointed for a specific purpose – A joint committee is made up of members of both houses of Congress – A conference committee is a temporary committee of members from both houses of Congress, created to resolve the differences in House and Senate versions of a bill.

8. Leadership of Congress The Speaker of the House is the presiding officer and most powerful member of the House House of Representatives – The Speaker’s duties include assigning bills to committee, controlling floor debate, and appointing party members to committees – The Majority leader serves as the major assistant to the speaker – The Minority floor leader is the major spokesperson for the minority party and organizes opposition to the majority party Senate – Vice president is the presiding officer of the Senate according to the Constitution – He may not debate and can only vote to break a tie – The president pro tempore is a senior member of the majority party chosen to preside in the absence of the Senate president – The Majority floor leader is the most influential member of the Senate

9. Privileges of Members of Congress Allowances for offices in their district or home state Travel allowances The franking privilege – (Mailing privilege) Immunity from arrest while conducting congressional business Immunity from libel or slander suits for their speech or debate in Congress

10. Incumbency effect Incumbency- tendency of those already holding office to win reelection. Stronger in the House then in the Senate. Advantages of incumbency may include name recognition and credit claiming

11. Legislative Tactics Caucuses- may form voting blocs Filibuster and cloture-unlimited debate in an attempt to stall action on a bill, cloture is a method that limits a filibuster Pork barrel legislation- an attempt to provide funds for a member’s home district or state.

12. Influences on Congress Constituents may influence members of congress because they help them win elections Senior members of congress often influence newer members Party influences Presidents often lobby members to support legislation through phone calls Lobbyists and interests groups provide members with information on topics