1. The Legislative Branch
Essential Questions
1. Is the legislative branch the most powerful institution in American Government?
2. Does the legislative process represent you and work for America?

2. Why Bicameral?
British had two houses, the House of Commons and the House of Lourdes
The Connecticut Compromise—New Jersey and the small states and Virginia and the big states
Furthers the notion of checks and balances

3. Congressional Structure
Every two years, in January after the election, Congress reorganizes
This is also when they choose leadership and committee chairs
“Working” recesses when members go to their districts an states

4. The House
In 1929 the number of seats was fixed at 435 to be re-distributed (Each state will have at least one)
Every 10 years, after the census the district boundaries are re- drawn (Reapportionment)
State Legislatures are in charge of the boundaries…sometimes they gerrymander it to benefit one party or the other (safe seats)

5. The Senate Since 1914 the Senators have been popularly elected
They were previously chosen by State Legislatures
6 year terms are staggered, 1/3 up at a time
Senators are expected to have a broader (national and statewide) view

6. Members of Congress
Most are white males in their mid 50’s—this has been changing since /demographics/
Most are Lawyers and business people
Get approximately $200,000, but there are many benefits
May not be arrested for misdemeanors during sessions—immune from court action for speeches made in Congress

7. Types of Legislators According to Magruder’s (Pg. 251) Trustee-
Delegate-
Partisan-
Politico-

8. Powers of Congress
Article I, Section 8—Includes the Necessary and Proper Clause
Strict Constructionist—use only the powers that are absolutely necessary for what’s listed— Expressed Powers
Liberal Constructionist—believes in a broad interpretation in what the Congress can do—Implied Powers

9. Expressed Powers (pg. 262)
Tax
Borrow
Commerce Power
Currency
Bankruptcy
Foreign Relations

10. Other “Non-Legislative” Powers
Propose Constitutional amendments
Electoral Duties
Impeachment
Confirm Appointments
Investigate

11. Speaker of the House The most powerful member of the House.
Has the key role in how the committees are structured and their membership.
Is recognized as a national leader.
Current Speaker is….

12. Committees
The number and make-up of committees are decided by the majority leadership.
These are organized by issues such as banking, education, or the budget.
They control the fate of bills, if they do not pass the bill in committee it, “dies.”
Committee chairs are from the majority party and reflect the balance of power in each house.

13. Types of Committees Standing—Where current bills go
Rules—Sets the calendar
Joint—Set up with members of both houses to reconcile differences

14. CONGRESSIONAL STANDING COMMITTEES
House
Senate
Agriculture Appropriations Armed Services Budget, Education, and Workforce Energy and Commerce Financial Services Government Reform Homeland Security House Administration International Relations Judiciary Resources Rules Science Small Business Standards of Official Conduct Transportation and Infrastructure Veterans’ Affairs Ways and Means
Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Appropriations Armed Services Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Budget Commerce, Science, and Transportation Energy and Natural Resources Environment and Public Works Finance Foreign Relations Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Judiciary Rules and Administration Small Business and Entrepreneurship Veterans’ Affairs

15. The Process
Every bill has to be passed in the exact form by a majority of both houses to go to the President.
If they pass the same bill with different language, they need to reconcile the differences.
They often do this in a committee made up of Senators and Representative brought together in a Conference.

16. Like Making Sausage Deliberate and Slow
It’s like sausage because lots of people like laws and sausage, but would rather not know how they are made and what went into them.

17. How a Bill Becomes a Law Introduced Referred to committee
Committee consideration
Referred to Rules
Placed on floor calendar
Debated by original house
Same process in opposite house
The differences are resolved by agreeing to changes or conference committee
When both houses agree it goes to the president for signature

18. Congressional Staff
Thousands of people are hired to serve each member and committee in Congress.
They answer the phone and reply to constituent mail.
They assist in the drafting of bills and work on the member’s legislative priorities.
Organize the office and and schedule the member’s time.

19. Lobbyists
People who attempt to influence public policy
Citizen-individuals that work on their own to support their personal interest, for example, an association or business
Corporate-paid by one company to protest and enhance their interest
Contract-paid by many clients, usually the highest paid and most influential

20. Public Disclosure
The FECA of 1974 set up the Federal Election Commission
Reaction to Watergate
Sweeping progressive reform
State’s Law set up the Public Disclosure Commission.
Lobbyists register and disclose contracts and expenses
Campaigns file their finances

21. Two Party System Single Member Districts At-Large Representatives
One member elected in an area of a state
“Duverger's” law
At-Large Representatives
Elected from and entire area
Proportional Representation
Multi Parties

22. Mr. Smith Goes to Washington
Classic Frank Capra movie released in 1939
Illustrates the struggle between idealism in a world that rewards pragmatism
Highlights the Senate filibuster

23. Washington Congressional Delegation
Historically, a strong Democratic delegation.
Scoop Jackson and Warren Magnuson
Currently represented by 2 Democratic Senators, 6 Democratic and 3 Republican Representatives.