1. United States Government
Monday, September 18, 2017

2. Warm-Up #1 (Re-Teaching?)
What is a Political Issue?
An issue that arises when people disagree about a problem or situation ,and how to fix or address it
What is a Policy Proposal?
A suggested government-enacted solution or approach to a problem or situation
What is a Policy Position?
A person’s opinion/stance on a policy proposal

3. Warm-Up #2: Intro to Congress
According to opinion polls, what percentage of Americans currently have a favorable view of the United States Congress?
Write your answer down; don’t share with anyone.
Now line up….

4. Structure of the U.S. Congress

5. The House of Representatives
Term: 2 years
Qualifications:
25 years old
7 years as a U.S. citizen
Resident of represented state
Number of representatives: 435
Head of House of Representatives
Speaker of the House
Decides the committees each member will serve on
Decides the order in which bills will be heard

6. The Senate Term of office: 6 years Qualifications:
30 years old
9 years a citizen of the U.S.
Resident of the represented state
Number of Senators: 100
Head of the Senate: U.S. Vice President
Day to day head of Senate: President Pro Tempore
Powers: Officially decides committee members and order bills are debated.
Majority Leader: Most powerful member of the Senate
Begins debate on legislation; influences committee membership

7. Congress Both houses make their own rules for behavior and punishments
Censure: formally reprimand, written in the record
Fines and penalties may be set for some offenses
Expulsion: members with gross misconduct may be thrown out of office

8. Congress: Privileges and Compensation
Salary : $147,000 per year, plus:
Medical and dental benefits
Free office, parking, and trips to home state
Staff budget
Tax break on second home
Franking privilege: free postage on all mail to constituents
Immunity or legal protection:
Cannot be sued for anything they say or write while carrying out their duties
Cannot be arrested for minor offenses while Congress is in session
May not hold other political office at the same time

9. The 115th U.S. Congress

10. 2016 Election Results

14. Congressional Leadership
House of Representatives
Senate
Speaker of the House
Paul Ryan
Majority Leader
Kevin McCarthy
Majority Whip
Steve Scalise
Minority Leader
Nancy Pelosi
Minority Whip
Steny Hoyer
(President of the Senate)
President Pro Tempore
Patrick Leahy
Majority Leader
Mitch McConnell
Majority Whip
John Cornyn
Minority Leader
Charles Schumer
Minority Whip
Dick Durbin

15. The House vs. The Senate House of Representatives CONGRESS Senate 435
# of Members
100
2 years
Length of Terms
6 years
25 years old
Minimum Age
30 years old
7 years a U.S. citizen;
Resident of the state represented
Citizenship and Residency
9 years a U.S. citizen;
Proportional;
Members represent a District within a state
Representation of the States
Equal (2 per state);
Members represent an entire state
Strict/Formal rules for debate and votes, set by the Rules Committee (controlled by the majority party)
Majority party has substantial control over legislation and the agenda
Rules and Majority Party Control
Less formal rules for debate and votes; debate is unlimited; floor amendments are always allowed
Majority party has less control; The Minority party has substantial influence
Brings charges of Impeachment;
All appropriations bills must begin in the House
Special Powers
Conducts impeachment trials;
Confirms Presidential appointees;
Ratifies treaties;
Special Procedure: the Filibuster (contributes to Minority Party influence—41 senators can block legislation)
Less prestigious
Relative Prestige
More prestigious
“Congressman”
Title of Members
“Senator”
“The People’s Chamber”
“Nickname”
“The World’s Greatest Deliberative Body”

16. Quick (Fun) Class Debate
Question for Consideration: Which is “cooler:” the House or the Senate??
7 minutes to brainstorm arguments
5 minutes to debate

17. Exit Ticket: MCQ
Which of the following does NOT accurately state a difference between the House of Representatives and the Senate?
A. In the House, representation is proportional to states’ populations, while in the Senate each state is represented equally.
B. To be eligible for election to the House, a person must be at least 25 years old and a citizen for 7 years; to be eligible for the Senate, a person must be at least 30 years old and a citizen for 9 years.
C. The Vice President is the top official in the House of Representatives, while the Senate is led by the Speaker of the Senate.
D. The Senate is generally considered the more prestigious of the two chambers.

18. Homework Research Question: Who are your representatives in Congress?
(Answers will vary depending on where you live…)