Congress Chapter 10

The Evolution of Congress Congress as the central lawmaking body was a unique invention – rule by emperors or kings was the common method The intent of the Framers: To oppose the concentration of power in a single institution To balance large and small states and checks and balances (bicameralism) House - closer/more accountable to the _______ ___ year elections, smaller districts Senate - more elite, aristocratic, educated than House, closer to ___________ ___ year elections, represent entire state, stricter qualifications They expected Congress to be the dominant institution but limited by checks The “___________” of American government Has the “power of the _______” BUT checked by president’s veto power (even though Congress Can pass a law even if president vetoes it) Only legislature that exercises almost independently of executive Checked by Supreme Court – laws can be deemed unconstitutional

Virginia Plan New Jersey Plan Connecticut Compromise

The Legislative Compromise Recall the __________________________creating the legislative lawmaking branch of government Congress is a ____________ legislature with: two coequal houses with substantially equal powers; and in particular, legislation (laws, policy, public policy) requires the support of a concurrent majority in both houses (51% in both houses) In the House of Representatives, states have representation ______________ to population Members serve two-year terms. Representative districts = smaller areas (Hialeah, South Miami, L.C.) In the Senate, states are ______ represented (2 Senators/state) The size of the Senate =100 members Senators serve staggered six-year terms. Senate “districts” = states. Since ratification of the 17th Amendment (1913), Senators have been in the same manner as Representatives.

Major Functions of Congress _________________ of the people Closer to the people and directly elected by the people (smaller group, inhabitants of area) _______________ (public policy = law) Congressional powers defined in Article I, Section 8 (taxes, interstate and foreign commerce, *elastic clause) ___________ building (amongst parties) Special, _________ powers: House – Revenue bills must originate in the House (though usually happen simultaneously) and impeachment power (officials charged in the house of high crimes) Senate – Confirms major presidential appointments, makes treaties with foreign nations (along with president), and holds hearings for impeached officials Congress _______________ powers (due to elastic clause) – oversight of the budget ($ and presidential proposals approved by Congress), investigation and hearings of public officials

Constitutional Differences House of Representatives Senate 2 year terms, unlimited 6 year terms, unlimited 435 members (proportional representation) – changes every 10 year with census 100 members (equal representation-2 per state)  initially elected by state legislatures - considered “Millionaires’ Club;” 17th Amendment (1913) made popular election of Senators Initiates all “money” bills (taxation and spending) “Advice and Consent” on president’s appointments and treaties Initiates impeachment proceedings Tries impeached officials 25 years old, 7 years a citizen 30 years old, 9 years a citizen

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES MONEY BILLS- TAX AND SPEND/REVENUE SENATE MEMBERSHIP _______members (apportioned by Congress) 100 members (two from each state) TERM OF OFFICE 2 years; entire House elected every 2 years 6 years; staggered terms with 1/3 elected every two years QUALIFICATIONS At least 25 years old Citizen for _____ years must live in state where district is located At least 30 years old citizen for ____ years must live in State CONSTITUENCIES Smaller, by districts Larger, by ________ PRESTIGE/POWER Less prestige/power More prestige/power IMPEACHMENT Initiates impeachment proceedings (impeachment=formal accusation) MONEY BILLS- TAX AND SPEND/REVENUE ----

SHARED POWER WITH EXECUTIVE BRANCH ORGANIZATION Very formal, many detailed rules Less formal, traditions followed RULES COMMITTEE Powerful house committee, sets terms of debate for a bill (power to kill a bill) NO RULES COMMITTEE- lack of rules allows for filibuster to occur BILL AMENDMENTS Must be germane (relevant) to the bill topic VOTING METHODS Voice vote-most common Roll call by clerk (non-electronic) COMMITTEES Most work done in committees (very specialized members), not on the floor Work split more evenly between committees and floor (members not as specialized) SHARED POWER WITH EXECUTIVE BRANCH ----- “advice and consent” powers… Approves or rejects treaties and presidential appointments MEMBERSHIP Younger members Older members WORKING STYLE Often accused of rash and fickle decision-making Known for taking the time and being more deliberative and insulated from popular passions

Who is in Congress? Typical member = wealthy, well-educated, white, male (90%), Protestant, middle-aged (Sen.=60,Rep=55), lawyers (42%) Controversial – can this unrepresentative group represent diverse groups? The House has become less male and less white Between 1950 and 2009: Women Senators rose from 2 to ___ Women representatives rose from 10 to ___ Black representatives rose from 2 to ___ Black Senators from 0 to ___ Today, ___ Hispanic Reps, ___Hispanic Senators Today, ____ Asian Reps, ___ Asian Senators Membership in Congress became a ________unlike past Incumbents still have a great electoral advantage ___________ party largely controlled Congress from 1933-1998 But in 1994, voters opposed incumbents due to budget deficits, various policies, legislative-executive bickering, and scandal

Blacks, Hispanics, and Women in Congress, 1971-2006

111th Congress: January 3, 2009-January 11, 2011

House of Reps breakdown: 258 Democrats (blue) 177 Republicans (red) Senate Breakdown: 58 Democrats 40 Republicans, 2 Independent