1. US Congress: Modern Trends
I. The most powerful legislature in the world!
Article I of the Constitution (Congress) vs. Article II (President)
(veto override; impeachment power; power of the purse)
Congress makes all the laws that govern the United States.
US Congress reviews how the executive branch implements these
laws (oversight power).
President has few formal powers compared to Congress.
Ex 1: President is “Commander in Chief” but Congress must approve and
fund wars (declaration of war & military engagement authorizations)
Ex 2: President appoints ambassadors, Supreme Court justices, and
other high officials, but the Senate must approve them

2. I. The most powerful legislature in the world
I. The most powerful legislature in the world! Article I, Section 8: Congressional Power
Broad powers over crucial economic matters
Article I, Section 8, of the Constitution sets out the
“enumerated powers” of Congress (cf. President)
Impose taxes, regulate interstate and foreign commerce, etc
“N__________ and P__________” (Elastic) Clause (Sec. 8)
Congress “to make all Laws which shall be necessary and
proper for carrying into Execution the foregoing Powers.…”
The single most extensive grant of power in the
Constitution, giving Congress authority over many
different spheres of public policy. (cf. President)

3. II. Congress as an exciting place
Making all the laws governing the United States
Having debated and passed widely applauded or sometimes
criticized bills
Diverse set of policies over national security, civil rights,
economy, immigration, trade, welfare, etc
Basic Profile of Member Roles
Representation
Lawmaking
Investigating
Taking stands?

4. Taking Stands for Electoral Connection?
Congress: the Electoral Connection by Mayhew (1974)
“We can all point to a good many instances in which congressmen seem to have gotten into trouble by being on the wrong side in a roll call vote, but who can think of one where a member got into trouble by being on the losing side?”
Some examples of MCs “willing to be on the losing side”
Southern Democrats and civil rights bills in the 1960s
Rep. Joseph Cao (R-LA) and health care reform final passage in
the House (2009)