1. First Five ISNp6L
Where does the Executive Branch of government get its power?
Name three important duties of the Executive Branch of Government.
Why do you think some agencies of the Executive Branch need to be independent of politics???

3. Legislative Branch
Article 1 of the Constitution sets up the Legislative Branch granting it the power to make the laws for our nation.

4. Congress
Often referred to as “The Congress,” it meets in the Capital Building on Capital Hill.

5. Congress bicameral (divided into two houses)
Senate
House of Representatives
Sessions begin January 3rd of the year after the election and usually end the November before the election. (Lame Duck Sessions)

6. The Senate Upper House of Congress 100 senators total (2 per state)
6 year terms
Must be
at least 30 years old
U.S. citizen for at least 9 years
resident of the state they represent
1/3 is up for election every 2 years

7. The Senate Leadership President of the Senate President pro tempore
votes only to break ties
Vice President of the United States
may not speak or debate
President pro tempore
highest ranking senator
serves as president if VP is not there
elected by Senate
member of the Majority Party
Joe Biden
Patrick Leahy

8. Said to be the “real” leader of the Senate
The Senate Leadership
Minority Leader
Said to be the “real” leader of the Senate
Majority Leader
Harry Reid (D)
Mitch McConnell (R)

9. Current U.S. Senators
53 Democrats 47 Republicans + 2 Independents 100 Total Senators
John Cornyn (R)
Finance and Judiciary Committees
Ted Cruz (R)
Serves on 7 different Committees

10. The House of Representatives
Lower House of Congress
435 Congressman total (# based on population in state/changed after each census –around every 10 years)
2 year terms
Must be
at least 25 years old
U.S. citizen for at least 7 years
resident of the state they represent

11. The House Leadership Speaker of the House of Representatives
elected by the House every new Congress
Responsibilities include:
acknowledges people who want to speak
signs bills
appoints committees
calls a vote
John Boehner (R)

12. Current U.S. Congressmen
There are currently 31 Congressman from Texas.
California has the most with 53.
7 states have only 1.
Congress also has 6 non voting members
234 Republicans
201 Democrats
Pete Olson (R)
22nd District
Energy & Commerce Committee.
Interesting Fact: Congressman Olson has been the keynote speaker at a BMS Career Day.

13. Congressional Powers
Powers are either expressed (specifically listed) or implied (used to carry out is expressed powers) in the U.S. Constitution.

14. Congressional Joint Powers
Charge and collect taxes
Raise and maintain military
Grant statehood
Control national lands
Regulate interstate trade
Naturalize citizens
Declare war
Control making currency
Control the budget
Borrow $$
Veto override 2/3 majority of both houses
Be present for the State of the Union Address
Interesting Facts:
Only 5 declared wars in the history of the US
The military has acted without congressional involvement over 125 times.
Authority over the military is a primary responsibility of the executive branch.

15. Don’t forget…their main job is to make laws!
Press Here

16. Powers reserved for the Senate
Confirm Presidential appointees
Federal judges (including Supreme Court)
Cabinet members
Head of Federal Agencies
Approve/reject treaties
Jury for impeachment trial
John Kerry approved as our new Secretary of State.
President Clinton was impeached for giving false testimony to Congress among other things.

17. Powers reserved for the House
Originates money bills (taxes)
Begins impeachment process
Elects President if Electoral College fails to do so

18. Making Things Happen (or not)…
Actions happen because…
Desire to do the right thing
Logrolling
-you scratch my back/I’ll scratch yours
Party controls both houses
Desire for re-election
Inactions happen because…
Divided congress
-filibustering – Sen. Strom Thurmond; 24 hrs; Civil Rights Act of 1957
Lame duck status
Partisan bickering
Desire re-election
-change vote to get votes
-avoid looking bad
It was designed this way

19. Perks that come with the job…
Salary of $174,000+ per year (Leadership roles earn more…SoH = $223,500 per year)
Generous retirement and benefits (health care)
Two offices – D.C. and Home District
Staff members at both offices
Franking privileges – work-related mail is FREE
Assorted perks; no petty misdemeanors

20. FLOCABLARY