2. House of Representatives and Senate
2.1

3. A Bicameral Congress Framers created 2 houses
House of Representatives
Senate
Both have different Characteristics

4. Reasons for a Bicameral Legislature
Historical Experience
Familiar with British System
Bicameral with House of Commons and House of Lords
Most colonial legislatures were bicameral

5. Reasons for a Bicameral Legislature
Connecticut Compromise
Large states led by Virginia wanted a bicameral legislature based on population
Small state led by New Jersey wanted a unicameral legislature with equal representation for each state
Connecticut compromise created a bicameral legislature with the house based on population and the senate with equal representation for each state

6. Reasons for a Bicameral Legislature
Implementing Federalism
Provided for 2 types of representation
House represented the interests of the people while the senate represented the interests of the states
Fragmented power, checking majority interests while protecting minority interests
Slowed the legislative process, encouraging careful deliberation and compromise

7. Powers of Congress Legislative Powers: Power to make laws
Expressed powers
Powers specifically granted to Congress, mostly found in Article 1 section 8 include
Passing the federal budget, raising revenue, coining money, declaring war, maintaining the military
Implied powers
Powers that may be reasonable suggested to carry out the expressed powers, necessary and proper clause
Limitations of powers
Powers denied congress by Article 1 section 9 and the 10th amendment

8. Non Legislative powers of Congress
Duties other than lawmaking
Electoral powers
Selection of the president by the House and or VP by the senate upon the failure of the Electoral College to achieve a majority vote
Amendment Power
Congress may propose amendments by a 2/3 vote of each house, or calling a national convention

9. Non Legislative powers of Congress
Impeachment
The House may bring charges, or impeach, the president, vice president, or any civil officer; case is tried in the Senate with the Senate acting as the Jury
Executive Power of Senate
The Senate shares the appointment and treaty-making powers with the executive branch; the senate must approve appointments by majority vote and treaties by 2/3 vote

10. Investigative/oversight powers
Investigate matters falling within the range of its legislative authority, often involves the review of policies and programs of the executive branch.

11. Roles of Members of Congress
Policymaker
Make public policy through the passage of legislation
Constituent servant
Help constituents with problems
Committee member
Serve on committees
Political/party member
Work to support their political party platform and get reelected

12. Roles of Members of Congress
Representative
Delegate
Members vote based on the wishes of constituents regardless of their own personal views
Trustee
After listening to constituents members vote based on their own opinions
Politico
A combination of the two depending on the topic/knowledge/circumstances

13. Privileges of members of Congress
Allowances for offices in their district or home state
Travel allowances
Franking privilege
Immunity from arrest while conducting congressional business
Immunity from libel or slander suits for their speeces or debate in Congress

14. Influences on Congress
Constituents
Members, especially those who hope to win reelection often take into consideration the opinions of their constituents and voters back home
Other law makers and staff
More senior members often influence new members, those who work on legislation in committee influence those who did not

15. Influences on Congress
Party influences
Each party’s platform takes a stand on major issues and loyal members often adhere to the “party line”, more impactful in the House than the Senate
President
Often lobby members to support legislation through phone calls, invitations to the white house, or appeal to the public to gain support from voters to bring pressure on members.

16. Influences on Congress
Lobbyists and Interest Groups
Often provide members with information on topics relating to their group’s interest or possible financial support in future campaigns

17. Differences between the House and Senate Size Terms and Qualifications
House of Representatives
Senate
435 members
Two year terms
Must be 25
American citizen for 7 years
Resident of the state they wish to be elected from
100 members
6 year terms
1/3 elected every 2 years so terms are staggered
Must be 30
American citizen for 9 years
Resident of the state he or she is elected from

18. Elections House of Representatives Senate
Eligible voters have always elected members of the house.
Only body directly elected by the people in the Original Constitution
Originally chosen by state legislatures
17th amendment (1913) mandated that voters in each state elect senators

19. Special Powers House Senate Initiates revenue bills
Brings charges of impeachment against president, vice president and all civil officers
Chooses the president when the Electoral College is deadlocked
Ratifies treaties negotiated by the president
Possesses the sole power to try and judge impeachment cases
Confirms judicial appointments including US attorneys, federal judges, and US SCOTUS
Confirms executive appointments, including cabinet heads, the director of the FBI, and the US attorney General