1. The Legislative Branch: Congress

2. The Evolution of Congress
Intent of Framers
Congress generally dominant over the presidency for more than 140 years.
Rise of party control
Popular Election of Senators in 1913

3. Congressional Functions
Representation
Lawmaking
Consensus building
Overseeing (Oversight)
Policy clarification

4. Who is in Congress?
Requirements – Senate – 30 years old, a citizen for 9 years and a resident of the state; House of Representatives – 25 years old, a citizen for 7 years and a resident of the district he or she represents.
Years of service – No terms limits, thus the “incumbency effect”
Party Affiliation
Sex, race, religion?

5. According to C-Span’s “Membership of the 111th Congress: A Profile”
“The average age of Members of both Houses of Congress at the convening of the 111th Congress is 58.2 years; of Members of the House, 57.0 years; and of Senators, 63.1 years. The overwhelming majority of Members have a college education. The dominant professions of Members are public service/politics, business, and law. Protestants collectively constitute the majority religious affiliation of Members. Roman Catholics account for the largest single religious denomination, and numerous other affiliations are represented.”
“A record number of 95 women serve in the 111th Congress: 78 in the House, 17 in the Senate. There are 41 African American Members of the House and none in the Senate. This number includes two Delegates. There are 31 Hispanic or Latino Members serving: 28 in the House, including the Resident Commissioner, and three in the Senate. Eleven Members (seven Representatives, two Delegates, and two Senators) are Asian or Native Hawaiian/other Pacific Islander. The only American Indian (Native American) serves in the House.”

6. 112th Congress
The average age of Members of the House at the beginning of the 112th Congress was 56.7 years; and of Senators, 62.2 years. The overwhelming majority of Members have a college education. The dominant professions of Members are public service/politics, business, and law. Protestants collectively constitute the majority religious affiliation of Members. Roman Catholics account for the largest single religious denomination, and numerous other affiliations are represented
Ninety-one women serve in the 112th Congress: 74 in the House, including 3 Delegates, and 17 in the Senate. There are 44 African American Members of the House (a record number) and none in the Senate. This House number includes two Delegates. There are 28 Hispanic or Latino Members serving: 26 in the House, including the Resident Commissioner, and 2 in the Senate. Thirteen Members (nine Representatives, two Delegates, and two Senators) are Asian or Native Hawaiian/other Pacific Islander. The only American Indian (Native American) serves in the House.
Source:

7. Getting Elected Representatives elected from single member districts
Senators serve six year terms and Representatives serve two year terms. One-third of the senators are up for re-election every two years, making the Senate a continuous body.
Problem of drawing district boundaries (gerrymandering)
Congress decides size of the House of Representatives– reapportioned every 10 years
The “incumbency effect” occurs due to name recognition, casework for constituents, media exposure, experience, voting records.
No term limits.

8. Organization of Congress
Senate leaders are the majority leader and the minority leader. The Vice President is the President of the Senate.
The Speaker of the House is the leader of the House of Representatives.
Party whips keep leaders informed
Senate Policy Committee gives senators
committee assignments
House Rules committee – controlled by the Speaker of the House
Party of majority controls all committee chairs and majority members of every committee

9. Types of Committees
Standing Committees, Select Committees, Joint Committees, Joint Conference Committees
The Senate has 20 committees, 68 subcommittees and four joint committees including Foreign Relations, Armed Services, Health, Education, Labor and Pensions and Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs (see for full listing and specific information.)
The House of Representatives has 22 committees and more than 100 subcommittees including Agriculture, Education and Labor, Rules, Science and Technology and Ways and Means (see for full listing and specific information.)

10. Roles and Privileges of Members of Congress
Policymaker
Representative (Delegate or Trustee?)
Constituent Servant
Committee Member
Politician/Party Member
Privileges:
Offices and staff
Travel allowances
Franking privilege
Immunity from certain charges

11. Congressional Powers
Delegated Powers: Article I, Section 8 - tax, defend, borrow money, regulate commerce, raise and regulate an army, declare war
Implied Powers: Article I, Section 8, Clause 18, Necessary and Proper Clause, Elastic Clause
The Senate has the power to confirm presidential nominations such as Supreme Court justices, ambassadors, federal judges, ratify treaties and hold impeachment trials.
All revenue bills (raising taxes) must start in the House.
Congress can also override a presidential veto and initiate amendments.
Oversight Power

12. How a Bill Becomes a Law
When debating a bill, the Senate may use the filibuster, but the House debate is limited. The Rule of Cloture ends a filibuster.

13. Legislative Tactics Caucuses The Committee System
Filibuster and cloture
Pork Barrel Legislation
Logrolling
Riders
Amendments
Lobbying
Legislative veto (used between 1932 and 1980, but declared unconstitutional in 1983.

14. Influences on Lawmakers
Ideology
Colleagues
Staff
Party
President
Constituents
Lobbyists and Special Interest Groups