The Legislative Branch: Congress

Unit Essential Question: How can the lawmaking process promote the common good?

Lesson 1 Essential Question What is the purpose/result of compromise in self-governance?

Structure of Congress Bicameral Congress Two Houses House of Representatives Senate Connecticut Compromise “Lower House” 435 Reps/2 year terms Representation by Population Constituents? Census  Reapportionment Gerrymander House not Senate? “Upper House” 100 Senators/6 year terms 1/3 elected every two years Representation, 2 per State Constituents Look at the pictures. Which is the Senate?

Structure of Congress Terms and Sessions Two year terms Two sessions per term Terms Jan-Nov/Dec Congressional Leadership House Speaker of the House Committee Chairs Senate Vice President President Pro Tempore Majority Party v. Minority Party House = Republicans (246) Senate = Republicans (54) President = Democrat

REPRESENTATION BY STATE in House of Representatives Why would a map of representation, by state, in the United States Senate be pointless to show?

Pennsylvania Congressional Districts Red=Republican Blue = Democrat

Lesson 2 Essential Question How are certain members of society, and of government, deemed adequate to lead?

The Committee System Standing Committees - Permanent - Bill Jurisdiction - House = 20 / Senate = 16 - Sub-Committees - Typically 2-3 per congressmen - Seniority/Reelection Select Committees - Special! - Investigations/Studies - Ex: JFK/MLK; 9/11; Benghazi Joint Committees - Both HOUSE and SENATE! - Easily Flow Legislation Ex. Joint Budget Committee - Advisory Function Ex. Joint Economic Committee Seniority/Reelection Majority Party Control The Committee System

Qualifications Factor House Senate Age: 25 30 Citizenship: 7 years Residency: Must live in the state they represent.

Lesson 3 Essential Question From where do governments get their powers and limits?

Powers of Congress Expressed Powers—Article I, Section 8 - Enumerated/Listed Powers - Coin/Print Money - Collect Taxes - Declare War Implied Powers—Clause 18 - “Necessary and Proper” Elastic Clause Increase Congressional Power Interpret Constitution Lawmaking Powers Nonlegislative Powers = NOT making laws Limits - Bill of Rights - Article I, Section 9 Writ of Habeas Corpus Bill of Attainder Ex post facto law - Executive/Judicial Branches - Powers Reserved to the States Powers of Congress

Legislative or Nonlegislative Power? Congress has the power to impeach federal officials. Congress has the power to declare war. Senate has power to approve or reject Presidential nominations/treaties. House of Representatives selects President if no Electoral College majority is reached. Congress may rule on whether the President is unfit, or incapacitated, to carry out the responsibilities of Executive Office. Congress has the power to suggest amendments to the Constitution. Congress has the power to pass laws by drafting, debating, and voting on bills.

CHECKS & BALANCES 1. What do you think is the purpose of having three branches of government that can “check” and “balance” the powers of each other?

Lesson 4 Essential Question How can/do individuals and governments influence one another?

Congress at Work Primary Role Make Laws Represent Constituent’s Interests Casework Constituent Aid Federal “Red Tape” Reelection!!!!! Pork-Barrel Projects/Earmarks District/State Projects $$$$ Attach to Bills for Federal Money Lobbyists = Gov’t Influencers Benefits Franking Privilege Immunity Salary/Pension Congressional Staffs Reduce Workload Draft Bills Student Interns Agencies Library of Congress Congressional Budget Office Congress at Work

Lesson 5 Essential Question Should the legislative process be easy or difficult (simple or complex) to better promote the common good?

Bill ---> Law Introduction Draft Bill House or Senate Origination Committee Action Specialize Sub-Committee? Committee Vote Life or Death…Most Die Here R.I.P. House  Rules Committee Floor Debate Discuss Riders Filibuster/Cloture (Senate) Floor Vote Conference Committee House/Senate MUST pass same Bill Joint Session Presidential Action Sign into law Veto No Action & Pass No Action & Pocket Veto Bill ---> Law

House Senate 1. Introduction Bill is suggested Representative hands bill to clerk or drops it into the hopper. Bill get an HR number Senate Senator announces bill on the floor Bill given S number

House Senate 2. Committee Action Goes to House Standing Committee Referred to House Sub-Committee House Sub-Committee reviews, revises or recommends adjustments Approved by House Standing Committee House Rules Committee sets rules for floor debate. Senate Goes to Senate Standing Committee Referred to Senate Sub-Committee Senate Sub-Committee reviews, revises or recommends adjustments Approved by Senate Standing Committee

House Senate 3. Floor Debate Representatives debate and vote on passage. Bill Passes (1) Goes to Senate for approval (2) Different Version passes and goes to Conference Committee Senate Senators debate and vote on passage (1) Goes to House for approval *Filibuster?

House & Senate 4. Conference Action Conference Committee works out differences and sends identical bill back to EACH house to be voted on again. HOUSE votes on Compromise Bill SENATE votes on Compromise Bill

President signs Bill into Law Congress Overrides Veto (Rare) 5. Presidential Action Pass President signs Bill into Law Congress Overrides Veto (Rare) President does not sign Bill into Law but after ten (10) days it becomes Law Veto President Vetoes Bill. President does not sign Bill into Law but Congress adjourns before the ten (10) day period is up and Bill does not become law. (Pocket Veto)