Legislative Branch

Legislative Branch Purpose- create laws Powers stated in Article 1 in Constitution What are the powers called that are designed JUST for the federal government?

How is Congress Organized The Great Compromise Congress = House of Representatives & Senate (VA plan) (N.J plan) Bicameralism = TWO parts Each term of Congress lasts TWO years 112th began Jan 3rd 2011

Senate (Upper House) 100 Members (2 from each State) Senators serve 6year terms Elections are staggered to create stability

The Legislative Branch Organization Article I of the U.S. Constitution Bicameral Legislature (2 houses) 1. Upper House- Senate 2. Lower House- House of Representatives

The Legislative Branch Organization Vice president presides over Senate Only votes to break a tie President Pro tempore “for time being” Usually acts as chairperson Article I of the U.S. Constitution Bicameral Legislature (2 houses) 1. Upper House- Senate Total

The Legislative Branch Organization Speaker of the House Majority party Leader Steers Legislation Leads floor debate Article I of the U.S. Constitution Bicameral Legislature (2 houses) 2. Lower House- House of Representatives Total Census Data Used to Calculate this

State Representatives From Michigan (14 Total) This is why the census is a BIG DEAL!!!

Altogether 535 seats in congress (both Senate & House) 112th U. S Altogether 535 seats in congress (both Senate & House) 112th U.S. Congress (2012-2014) -2 Sessions per term (usually Jan-Nov) -Joint Sessions (Senate & House meet together)- Usually in times of crisis

Districting & Gerrymandering Gerrymandering- To divide (a geographic area) into voting districts so as to give unfair advantage to one party in elections. Courtesy of http://freeonlinedictionary.com

House of Representatives Each member is elected to represent a select district. Problem- Gerrymandering Creating oddly shaped districts designed to increase the voting strength of a particular group

House of Representatives Gerrymandering

Is This really political Representation?

Committee Work In order handle the large work load of creating laws each congressional house has created committees. These committees are formed with select individuals who have specific experience or interests in the topic of the committee.

Committee Work 3 types Standing committee- permanent Ex. Agricultural , foreign affairs, economic Select – individual purpose Joint – include members from both houses

Legislative Powers Most of the powers delegated to Congress are Expressed Powers- powers clearly listed in the Constitution

Legislative Powers They also have Implied Powers - these are powers that are “Necessary and Proper” to carry out the expressed powers Article 1, Section 8. AKA- the Elastic Clause because it allow Congress to “stretch” its powers to meet the new needs.

Legislative Powers Most of the Congress’s powers are related to making laws, raising and spending money, regulating commerce, and dealing with foreign countries

Checks and Balances Impeachment To formally bring charges against a public official. In a Impeachment trial, -The House has a Majority vote to Prosecute -The Senate becomes the jury -The Speaker of the House is the Judge

Checks and Balances Senate has the power to approve or reject the presidents nominees for various offices Supreme Court justices, Federal Judges and ambassadors

Many of the limits of Congress are set Limitations of Powers Many of the limits of Congress are set by the Bill of Rights. Protects congress from limiting freedom of speech Favoring one state Individuals legal rights Interfere with States reserved powers

BQ 5 What are the 2 types of powers listed in the U.S. Constitution? What is Article 1, Section 8, Clause 18? To formally bring charges against a public official is called what?

6.3 Representing the People

The Basic job of Senators and Representatives is to represent the people of their states and districts

Qualifications and Privileges Senate 30 Live in the state you represent U.S citizen for 9years House 25 Live in the state you represent U.S citizen for 7 years Both receive a salary of $165, 000, low cost life insurance, free office space and trips to their home states

Congress at Work 3 main responsibilities Law making Writing Bills that reflect the interests of your constitutes

Congress at Work 3 main responsibilities 2. Casework - The work that a lawmakers does to help constituents with a problem * Helps keep legislators accountable and aware of the people they are hired to represent

Congress at Work 3 main responsibilities 3. Helping the District or State Get money for Public Works funds Grants and Contracts Pork Barrel projects : programs and grants that primary benefit the home district or state

$10,000 Pyramid!!! Winners eat well! Rules You can say anything you want to get your partner to say the clue. You can use your notes When you get the correct response raise your hand Winners eat well!

Term of office for a U.S. Senator Example Answer is… Term of office for a U.S. Senator

Answer is… IMPEACHMENT

Answer is… CENSUS

Answer is… 100

Answer is… Select Committee

Answer is… 435

Answer is… Bicameral

Answer is… Standing Committee

Answer is… 535

Answer is… Joint Committee