First Five ISNp6L Where does the Executive Branch of government get its power? Name three important duties of the Executive Branch of Government. Why do you think some agencies of the Executive Branch need to be independent of politics???

Legislative Branch Article 1 of the Constitution sets up the Legislative Branch granting it the power to make the laws for our nation.

Congress Often referred to as “The Congress,” it meets in the Capital Building on Capital Hill.

Congress bicameral (divided into two houses) Senate House of Representatives Sessions begin January 3rd of the year after the election and usually end the November before the election. (Lame Duck Sessions)

The Senate Upper House of Congress 100 senators total (2 per state) 6 year terms Must be at least 30 years old U.S. citizen for at least 9 years resident of the state they represent 1/3 is up for election every 2 years

The Senate Leadership President of the Senate President pro tempore votes only to break ties Vice President of the United States may not speak or debate President pro tempore highest ranking senator serves as president if VP is not there elected by Senate member of the Majority Party Joe Biden Patrick Leahy

Said to be the “real” leader of the Senate The Senate Leadership Minority Leader Said to be the “real” leader of the Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D) Mitch McConnell (R)

Current U.S. Senators 53 Democrats 47 Republicans + 2 Independents 100 Total Senators John Cornyn (R) Finance and Judiciary Committees Ted Cruz (R) Serves on 7 different Committees

The House of Representatives Lower House of Congress 435 Congressman total (# based on population in state/changed after each census –around every 10 years) 2 year terms Must be at least 25 years old U.S. citizen for at least 7 years resident of the state they represent

The House Leadership Speaker of the House of Representatives elected by the House every new Congress Responsibilities include: acknowledges people who want to speak signs bills appoints committees calls a vote John Boehner (R)

Current U.S. Congressmen There are currently 31 Congressman from Texas. California has the most with 53. 7 states have only 1. Congress also has 6 non voting members 234 Republicans 201 Democrats Pete Olson (R) 22nd District Energy & Commerce Committee. Interesting Fact: Congressman Olson has been the keynote speaker at a BMS Career Day.

Congressional Powers Powers are either expressed (specifically listed) or implied (used to carry out is expressed powers) in the U.S. Constitution.

Congressional Joint Powers Charge and collect taxes Raise and maintain military Grant statehood Control national lands Regulate interstate trade Naturalize citizens Declare war Control making currency Control the budget Borrow $$ Veto override 2/3 majority of both houses Be present for the State of the Union Address Interesting Facts: Only 5 declared wars in the history of the US The military has acted without congressional involvement over 125 times. Authority over the military is a primary responsibility of the executive branch.

Don’t forget…their main job is to make laws! Press Here

Powers reserved for the Senate Confirm Presidential appointees Federal judges (including Supreme Court) Cabinet members Head of Federal Agencies Approve/reject treaties Jury for impeachment trial John Kerry approved as our new Secretary of State. President Clinton was impeached for giving false testimony to Congress among other things.

Powers reserved for the House Originates money bills (taxes) Begins impeachment process Elects President if Electoral College fails to do so

Making Things Happen (or not)… Actions happen because… Desire to do the right thing Logrolling -you scratch my back/I’ll scratch yours Party controls both houses Desire for re-election Inactions happen because… Divided congress -filibustering – Sen. Strom Thurmond; 24 hrs; Civil Rights Act of 1957 Lame duck status Partisan bickering Desire re-election -change vote to get votes -avoid looking bad It was designed this way

Perks that come with the job… Salary of $174,000+ per year (Leadership roles earn more…SoH = $223,500 per year) Generous retirement and benefits (health care) Two offices – D.C. and Home District Staff members at both offices Franking privileges – work-related mail is FREE Assorted perks; no petty misdemeanors

FLOCABLARY