2.  I CAN – describe the constitutionally defined purposes and organization of the legislative branch.

3.  Imagine for a moment that we are taking a field trip to Washington D.C., what types of people would you expect to see in Congress?

4.  What exactly does a member of Congress do every day? Take 2-3 minutes to individually write down what you think.  Now, please pair up with the person behind you to share ideas. Be prepared and willing to share your thoughts with the class in 3 minutes!

5.  Attend meetings  Prepare bills  Study reports  Read letters from their constituents

8.  The job of Congress is to make laws.  Laws go beyond what you can and cannot do.  A law can also help to establish a national policy—what are some examples of this?

9.  In addition to its lawmaking powers, Congress plays a critical role in American democracy as a representative institution.  The members of Congress—100 senators and 435 representatives—represent the voices of the people across America.

15.  After viewing several slides on how Congressional representation compares to American society, do you believe that the legislative branch represents each voice equally? Why or Why not?  Explain your answer in a response that is no less than half a page. Place your sheet in the tray when you finish.

16.  I CAN – describe the expressed and implied powers of the legislative branch.

17.  Under the Constitution, the Congress has three specific types of powers – 1.Expressed Powers – powers specifically mentioned in the Constitution. 2.Implied Powers – powers that are “suggested” in the Constitution. 3.Non-Legislative Powers – things Congress does to help the country run smoothly.

18.  “Congress shall have the power to tax.” What does it mean to tax? Taking public money for government use Why is it important? Pays for many public services (ex: schools, roads, military, etc.)

19.  “Congress shall have the power to regulate commerce.” What does this mean?! They can regulate foreign and interstate trade What does this mean in high school terms?! Ex: setting a minimum wage

20.  “Congress shall have the power to coin money.” What does this mean? Determining which types of currency we will use

21.  “Congress has the power to borrow.” What does this mean? Using money to pay for projects not in the budget What else?! There is no Constitutional limit on how much money can be borrowed

22.  “Congress will establish a uniform Rule of Naturalization.” What does this mean? This is the process of becoming a U.S. citizen Natural Born = born in U.S. territory or on U.S. owned property, or to a U.S. citizen. Naturalized = citizenship gained from another country.

23.  “Congress has the power to establish post offices and post roads.” What does this mean? Congress sets up the locations of post offices, along with mailing routes. Also… All mail crimes are federal crimes!

24.  “Congress has the power to acquire, manage, and dispose of various federal areas.” What are some examples? National Parks and Federal Prisons (ex: Guantanamo Bay)

25. 1. Create all courts below the Supreme Court. 2. Define federal crimes and punishments. 3. Impeachment and removal of government officials. 4. Foreign Relations – suggest foreign policy, approve treaties, etc. 5. War Powers – declare war, raise and maintain an army and navy, etc.

26. 1. The Elastic Clause – “Congress can do what is necessary and proper for the welfare of the nation. “ 2. Creating a national bank. 3. Setting a minimum wage for workers. 4. Military Draft.

27.  Electoral Powers – ▪ Presidential Elections – if no candidate has a majority of the electoral vote, the House of Representatives elects the president and the Senate elects the vice-president. ▪ 25 th Amendment – if there is a vacancy in the vice-president position, Congress will approve the new nomination.  Constitutional Amendments – ▪ Congress proposes changes to the Constitution with a 2/3 vote in both Houses.

28.  Impeachment Process – ▪ Removing the president, vice-president, and all civil officers from the federal government. ▪ Impeach – bring charges against a person (action taken by the House of Representatives with a majority vote). ▪ Conviction – verdict of innocence or guilt (action taken by the Senate with a 2/3 vote).

29.  Executive Powers of the Senate – ▪ Approve presidential appointments with a majority vote. ▪ Approve treaties with a 2/3 vote.  Investigations – ▪ Gather information for making a law. ▪ Review effectiveness of laws. ▪ Determine if programs are being run properly.

30. SENATE  Live in the state in which they are elected.  At least 25 years old.  U.S. citizen for at least 9 years.  Length of term is 6 years. HOUSE  Live in the state in which they are elected.  At least 30 years old.  U.S. citizen for at least 7 years.  Length of term is 2 years.

31.  The Constitution states that the House of Representatives must choose a presiding officer called the Speaker of the House.  The Vice President of the United States serves as the presiding officer of the Senate—one of their key jobs.  The Constitution also directs the Senate to choose an officer called the president pro tempore, who will preside over the Senate when the Vice President is absent.

32.  Majority Leader – The primary functions of a majority leader usually relate to floor duties. The majority leader (1) is the lead speaker for the majority party during floor debates, (2) develops the calendar and (3) assists the president or speaker with program development, policy formation and policy decisions.  Minority Leader – The minority leader is the principal leader of the minority caucus. The minority leader is responsible for (1) developing the minority position, (2) negotiating with the majority party, (3) directing minority caucus activities on the chamber floor and (4) leading debate for the minority.

33. 1. Aside from the basic qualifications, what does it take to be a member of Congress? 2. What do voters look for when deciding who they want to elect into office? 3. What should we expect from the leadership positions in Congress? Should they be held to a higher standard than the other members? 4. Should there be term limits for Congress?

34.  I CAN – explain how gerrymandering can shape the membership of the House of Representatives.

35.  Every ten years, state legislatures must redraw congressional districts to reflect population changes.  States with population growth gain additional seats; states with a population decline lose seats.  Over the past several decades, Americans have begun to move to the South and West. As a result, this has greatly increased their influence in Congress.

36.  States that gain or lose seats must redraw their congressional district borders.  Redistricting has become a highly politicized process where districts are shaped to create an advantage for the party with a majority in the state legislature.  This system frequently gives an advantage to a single party by clustering voters into the same districts. This system is known as gerrymandering.

42.  Some experts claim that Republicans have benefited from partisan gerrymandering since the 2010 redistricting cycle, because the GOP controlled the majority of state legislatures at the time.  To support this argument, they point to the 2012 congressional elections, where the GOP maintained its majority in the House of Representatives, despite winning 1.4 million fewer votes than the Democratic candidates.  Do you see anything wrong with this picture?

43.  Due to the controversy, some states have taken away the redistricting power from state legislatures and gave it to independent commissions.  In the 2010 redistricting cycle, seven states required district lines to be drawn by commissions—California, Arizona, Hawaii, Idaho, New Jersey, Washington, and Montana.  Is this a better option?