[ 4.1 ] National Legislature Overview

[ 4.1 ] National Legislature Overview Learning Objectives Explain why the Constitution provides for the bicameral structure of Congress. Explain the difference between a term and a session of Congress. Describe a situation in which the President may convene or end a session of Congress. Identify the personal and political backgrounds of members of Congress. Describe the duties performed by those who serve in Congress. Describe the compensation and privileges of members of Congress.

[ 4.1 ] National Legislature Overview Key Terms Delegates Trustees Partisans Politicos bills, floor consideration oversight function, Nancy Pelosi term session convenes adjourns, recess prorogue special session Harry Truman franking privilege

The Role of Congress in a Democracy The Framers of the Constitution were well versed in the history of government. They knew that throughout world history, heads of state—usually kings—often abused their power. Indeed, the 'list of grievances' in the Declaration of Independence was aimed squarely at King George III. 'The history of the present King of Britain,' wrote Thomas Jefferson, 'is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations. . . .'

The Role of Congress in a Democracy Representative Assemblies National Government

The Role of Congress in a Democracy The Declaration of Independence said of George III, “He has plundered our seas, ravaged our Coasts, burnt our towns, and destroyed the lives of our people.'

Congress: The Job One leading commentary on American politics describes Congress and the job of a member of Congress this way: Congress has a split personality. On the one hand, it is a lawmaking institution and makes policy for the entire nation. In this capacity, all the members are expected to set aside their personal ambitions and perhaps even the concerns of their constituencies. Yet Congress is also a representative assembly, made up of 535 elected officials who serve as links between their constituents and the National Government. The dual roles of making laws and responding to constituents’ demands forces members to balance national concerns against the specific interests of their States or districts. —James M. Burns, et al., Government by the People

Congress: The Job Representatives of the People Current Trends Committee Members Servants of the People Personal and Political Background

Congress: The Job House Speaker John Boehner and President Barack Obama shake hands on the floor of the House. The Framers envisioned Congress as a body “whose wisdom may best discern the true interest of their country.”

Congress: The Job Members of both houses of Congress have many roles to play. Analyze ChartsWhy are the legislative and agent of constituent roles the most important?

Terms and Sessions of Congress It is said that a woman, incensed at something her senator had done, said to him, “You know, the 535 of you people in Congress meet every two years. Well, Senator, there are some of us who think that it would be much better if just two of you met every 535 years.”

Terms and Sessions of Congress Terms of Congress Sessions of Congress Special Sessions

Terms and Sessions of Congress The 1st Congress met in Philadelphia from March of 1789 to March of 1791, passing the Bill of Rights during their tenure. The U.S. Capitol building was not occupied until 1800.

Terms and Sessions of Congress The Senate is divided into three equal classes so that only a third of the Senate seats may change hands in an election. Analyze Charts How does the Senate arrangement differ from the House?

Congressional Compensation The Constitution says that members of Congress “shall receive a Compensation for their Services, to be ascertained by Law. . . (Article I Section 6, Clause 1).” That is, the Constitution says that Congress fixes its own pay. The late Senator Russell Long (D., Louisiana) once characterized this provision as one that gives to members of Congress “a power that no good man would want and no bad man should have.” The 27th Amendment modified this pay-setting authority. It declares that no increase in members' pay can take effect until after the next congressional election—that is, not until after voters have had an opportunity to react to the pay raise.

Congressional Compensation Salary Nonsalary Compensation Why Serve? The Politics of Pay

Congressional Compensation Members of Congress are required by the Constitution to set their own salaries, as they did in January of 2009. Analyze Political Cartoons What point is the cartoon making?

Congressional Compensation This chart shows the salaries of members of Congress from a different perspective. Analyze Charts How do Congress’ salaries compare to the salaries of C.E.O.s and the average American?

Quiz: The Role of Congress in a Democracy How did the government the Framers designed focus on national, rather than individual, interests? A. It included a broad system of checks and balances on the legislature's powers. B. It included a strong system of individual decision-making powers for the legislature. C. It included a system that preserved the average citizen's focus on individual interests. D. It included a system that was based on a body chosen directly by the people.

Quiz: Congress: The Job A representative must vote on a bill that will benefit her State, but also results in greater deficit spending. Most of her constituents support the bill. Under what circumstances do you think she might choose to vote as a partisan or a trustee, rather than a delegate, on this bill? A. if her constituents believe that the benefits from the bill will outweigh the costs B. if her constituents believe that she should vote according to their wishes C. if she believes the most important goal is a balanced budget D. if she believes the most important goal is to conform to her constituents' wishes

Quiz: Terms and Sessions of Congress What option does the Constitution give the President if Congress adjourns without an approved budget? A. The President can prorogue a session of Congress, based on Article II, Section 3. B. The President can meet with party leaders, based on Article I, Section 2, Clause 1. C. The President can adjourn Congress, based on Article 1, Section 5, Clause 4. D. The President can call a special session, based on Article II, Section 3.

Quiz: Congressional Compensation The Constitution specifies that Congress has the power to fix its own pay. Why was it important to modify this authority with the 27th Amendment? A. so that changes could be put to public vote B. so that there would be a system of checks and balances C. so that all Congressmen had a chance to vote D. so that the President could veto any raises