1. Congress

2. Review – Congress in the Constitution
Endowed with Legislative power
Can check the Executive and Judicial branches
Lawmaking body (including those based upon enumerated powers)
Bicameral with House and Senate
Members are subject to fixed terms and elections

3. Functions of Congress Lawmaking Constituent Service Representation
Oversight
Public Education
Conflict Resolution

4. The House of Representatives
435 members
Elected from local districts (SMD)
Two year term
Many formal rules
Limits on debate
Appropriation bills originate here

5. The Senate 100 members Elected from states (2 per) Six year term
Fewer formal rules, runs by tradition
Relatively extensive debate
Provides advice and consent to the President on treaties and appointments

6. Incumbency

7. Assigning Seats
Reapportionment
Redistricting
Gerrymandering

10. Michigan 6th

11. Illinois 4th

12. North Carolina 12th

13. Court Rulings
Baker v. Carr (1962)
Wesberry v. Sanders (1964)

14. Congressional Bureaucracy
Staff
Agencies
Committees
Standing
Select
Joint
Conference

15. Standing Committees

16. Leadership - House Speaker of the House Majority Leader
Minority Leader
Whips

17. Leadership - Senate Vice President President pro tempore
Majority/minority floor leaders
Majority/minority whips – keep the party membership unified
Chair of the Republican/Democratic Conference

19. Types of legislation Bills Private Bill Public Bill Resolution H Res
S Res
Concurrent Resolution
Joint Resolution

20. Budgeting
1-1.5 years prior to the fiscal year, the agency submits its request
9-12 mo., OMB reviews and approves requests
8-9 mo., Budget submitted to Congress
May 15, First Budget Resolution: Targets, Goals, Priorities
Oct. 1, Second Budget Resolution: Binding taxes and spending
Oct. 1 to Sept. 30 – Fiscal Year – Funds spent
GAO selectively audits agencies