Congress
Terms Terms: Congressional session (measured in 2-year increments since 1789) Bicameral – or 2-house – other options are unicameral (1-house) or tricameral (3-house) – refers to legislative design Power of the purse – originally given to House – now exercised by both House and Senate Oversight: power of legislature over rest of government – exercised through studies, investigations, testimony & hearings before committees, dialog between/amongst leadership
Terms Terms: Confirmation – power of Senate to approve presidential appointments Advice & consent – power of Senate for treaties and foreign policy issues Apportionment - drawing of district lines for House seats – redistricting: every 10 years – gerrymandering: possible abuse of drawing of district lines
Why Bicameralism ) Why bicameralism? House of Democracy House of the Federation (changed by 17th Amendment)
House of Representatives House powers Appropriations (originally) Impeachment (Articles of Impeachment – charges) Join with Senate in approving bills – normally takes both houses to pass a bill to be sent on to the president
US Senate Senate powers Same as the House + Impeachment – sits as jury/determines guilt/innocence Approval of treaties Confirmation of presidential appointees Advise & consent in foreign affairs
How a bill becomes a law
Committees Committees – see Crash course video Leadership – see Crash course video The Organization of Congress – follow links for House and Senate
Differences between House/Senate Length of term Size Mentality House = Delegate mentality Senate = Trustee mentality Senate – more respected – has greater Constitutional role
Leadership The Senate Leadership The House Leadership President Pro tempore Majority Leader Minority Leader The House Leadership Speaker of the House