1. U.S. Congress: Structure and Powers

2. Powers of Congress Enumerated powers Expanded powers
Powers expressly granted to Congress in the Constitution
Examples: Levy taxes, regulate interstate commerce
Expanded powers
Necessary and Proper Clause
Commerce Clause
Spending Clause

3. Functions of Congress Lawmaking Service to constituents Oversight
How does a bill become a law?
Logrolling
Service to constituents
Casework
Representation
Oversight
Educating the public

5. House-Senate Differences
Representation based on population
Constituencies
Length of term
Impeachment vs. Conviction
Limited debate vs. filibuster
Advise and consent
Party loyalty

6. Leadership Structure Senate House President Speaker of House
Dick Cheney (VP)
President Pro-Tempore
Ted Stevens (R-AK)
Majority Leader
Bill Frist (R-TN)
Minority Leader
Tom Daschle (D-SD)
Majority Whip
Mitch McConnell (R-KY)
Minority Whip
Harry Reid (D-NV)
House
Speaker of House
Dennis Hastert (R-IL)
Majority Leader
Tom DeLay (R-TX)
Minority Leader
Nancy Pelosi (D-CA)
Majority Whip
Roy Blunt (R-MO)
Minority Whip
Steny Hoyer (D-MD)

7. Committee Structure
Committee structure divides legislative labor through specialization
Standing Committees
Select Committees
Conference Committees
Joint Committees
Committee chairmen used to be determined by seniority  now these are partisan decisions

8. Fenno’s Paradox

9. Public’s Evaluation of Congress

10. Public’s Evaluation of Congress