Unit 4, Ch. 5.1: Congress

Congress and the People: The opening words of the Constitution – “We the People” – signal that, in our nation, it is the people who are sovereign. Yet we don’t take part in national gov. directly, we do so by electing representatives. Each member of Congress represents the people of a certain geographical area, and those he serves are his constituents. The interests of these constituents are varied (economic, philosophical, personal, etc.), and it is difficult because they often conflict with one another. It is the job of that member of Congress to represent his people by finding ways that align with those interests.

Congress members must also deal with organized groups like interest groups, as well as meeting the needs of the country as a whole group. They have to balance all three groups in a way that is ethical and won’t anger his or her voters. Congress is made up of men and women of various ages, though most are men and most are older. There are many ethnic groups, but most are white. Over the years it is becoming more diverse as the country does as well.

The Structure of Congress: Congress is bicameral, meaning it has two houses (House of Rep. and Senate), but the two differ greatly in many ways. The House has representatives apportioned based on population. Members serve two year terms. The Senate fixes membership at 2 Senators per state, and they serve 6 yr. terms. Originally, the Constitution had state legislatures choosing Senators, but the 17th Amendment changed it to the popular vote.

The Two-House Structure: The reason we have this structure is that our founders were familiar with the same structure from English Parliament, but also because of the Great Compromise. The Founders argued about large vs. small states and representation. Small states preferred the NJ Plan because each state had equal representation regardless of population, large states favored the VA Plan because it was based on population. The Great Compromise solved this problem and it also dealt with addressing the problem of the passions of the voting public and how to ensure our democracy would endure.

Congressional checks and balances: Power of the Purse: Congress alone has the power to approve spending by the federal gov. It exercises this power through appropriation bills (bills that set aside funds) to refuse or grant funds to the executive branch depending on how they feel about those policies. It can do this to deny money for military actions as well. There are limits, as they can’t lower the pay of members of the other branches to control them.

The Power of Advice and Consent: The president makes treaties and appoints key officials, but this power is subject to the “advice and consent” of the Senate. Treaties must receive a 2/3rds vote to become law, and the Senate can reject top presidential appointees.

Impeachment Power: Congress has the power to charge officials in the other branches with wrongdoing and bring them to trial. If found guilty, impeached officials can be removed from office. This process begins in the House, where charges are drawn up, the Senate holds a trial with the VP (unless it’s the president) as judge, and a 2/3rds vote of the Senate decides if they are guilty and removed from office. Only 17 officials have been impeached, two were president (Neither removed from office).

Other Checks: Congress can check the Judicial branch by amending the Constitution. Congress can check the executive by voting to override a veto. This isn’t easy, it requires a 2/3rds vote in each chamber of Congress. Congress can review the executive branch to see if they are following Congressional laws, this is called oversight. They can hold hearings and force witnesses to appear and testify.