Download presentation
Presentation is loading. Please wait.
Published byDora McDowell Modified over 9 years ago
1
The U.S. Congress
2
Show what you know? White board challenge!
3
* * Quick Review * * _________is the name given to the body of people who make up the ____________ Branch of the Federal Government. Main role in the government is to make the nation’s ______. Made up of two houses: - The Senate - The House of Representatives Congress Legislative (100) (435) laws
4
What Influences the members of Congress’votes? Personal beliefs Interests of the Constituents Concerns of Interest Groups Loyalty to Political Parties Which is the most important?
5
Personal Beliefs Do you think representatives should consider their personal beliefs when making decisions? U.S. Capitol “Capitol Hill”
6
“Constituents” the residents of the Congress members’ local district or state. State Assembly (District 9) Assembly Member Richard Pan-DEM Assembly Member Richard Pan State Senate (District 5) Senator Cathleen Galgiani-DEM Senator Cathleen Galgiani
7
https://www.govtrack.us/congress/members/CA Congressional districts for HoR
9
Our U.S. Representatives Our District Representatives http://www.house.gov/representatives/#sta te_ca http://www.house.gov/representatives/#sta te_ca California Representatives http://www.house.gov/htbin/findrep?ZIP=9 5632&x=0&y=0 http://www.house.gov/htbin/findrep?ZIP=9 5632&x=0&y=0
10
Our U.S. Senators Dianne FeinsteinBarbara Boxer
11
Interest Groups People acting together to achieve shared political goals. American Association of Retired Persons ( AARP ) - 38 Million Members @ 12.50 a year membership National Education Association ( NEA ) - 3.2 Million members paying almost $300M in yearly dues. National Rifle Association ( NRA ) - 4 Million members
12
Interest Group Advertisements Video: new NRA commercial against Obama's 2013 Gun Ban Video: NEA - Speak Up! campaign - Education Support Professionals ad
13
“Political Action Committees” Branches of interest groups that participate in government issues and contribute money to campaigns electing Congress members. https://www.opensecrets.org/pacs/superpacs.php?cycl e=2012 https://www.opensecrets.org/pacs/superpacs.php?cycl e=2012
14
Who are your legislators? What district do you live in? Senate House CA Senate CA Assembly
15
Section 2 House and Members of Congress
16
Membership in the House of Representatives Membership in the House of Representatives is based upon the _____________ of each state. (California has 53) State population is determined by a “_________” Taken every 10 years The census is used to establish equal “Congressional Districts” within a given state. population census
17
Membership in the House of Representatives The Current House of Representatives has 435 “Voting” Members. (the first Congress had 65) “Non-voting” delegates include : Washington D.C. (District of Columbia) Guam Virgin Islands America Somoa These members can have an active role in debate and can voice concerns in committees, but do not have voting privileges for passing legislation.
22
Congressional Districts Following a census, the state Legislatures have the task of drawing the boundaries for Congressional Districts in their states.
23
Gerrymandering The practice of establishing district lines that may favor one political party or group over another. Often drawn to meet political party interest
24
Constitutional Pay Members of Congress have the authority to determine the salary of the U.S. Congress. (currently $174,000 year ) 27 th Amendment was put in place to check and balance their power. New salary takes affect in next congress
25
Privileges given to House and Senate members… Franking Free postage to district and state. Immunity Cannot be sued for anything they say, and cannot be arrested on the way to the Capitol for any session of Congress (unless it is a capital crime.)
26
Basic Info about Congress House of Representatives ___ years old ___ years Citizenship ___ year Term Entire house elected every 2 years Resident of state elected United States Senate ___ years old ___ years Citizenship ___ year term One third of senate elected every 2 years Resident of state elected 2 7 2530 9 6
27
Review! Ball toss White board race
28
Section 3 Powers of Congress
29
Expressed Powers Special Powers Some by Senate, some by House Implied Powers Necessary and Proper Clause Limits on Power
30
Expressed Powers Article I, Section 8 Regulate foreign and interstate commerce Coin and print money Provide and maintain military forces
31
Special Powers Impeaching Officials Ratifying Treaties Requires a 2/3 vote Approving Appointments Requires majority vote Can reject all appointments made by President, including Supreme Court Justices Deciding Elections If no president wins majority of electoral votes, House gets 1 vote/state
32
Limits on Power Ex Post Facto A law that applies to an action that took place before the law was passed. Bill of Attainder A law that punishes a person who has not been convicted in a court of law. Writ of Habeas Corpus Police must bring all persons accused to a court and provide evidence to justify their imprisonment.
33
Ex Post Facto Anyone in the class wearing a pair of jeans today loses 20 points from their grade. This law was made up after the fact that people have come to the class. A law that goes into effect tomorrow would not be considered “Ex-Post Facto”
34
Bill of Attainder A law that specifically targets a person or group resulting in punishment without any justification from a court trial.
35
Bill of Attainder EXAMPLE: All Japanese persons are forbidden from sailing into Pearl Harbor during December. This punishes people without them having a court case determine if they should be.
36
Writ of Habeas Corpus A person who is brought to jail must be charged with a crime within 48 hours or released.
37
Additional Information
38
Impeachment Powers The Process of Impeaching a President has many steps. There are 2 major steps to focus on: A) House voting to Impeach (charge) B) Senate holding a trial to determine guilt
39
Impeachment Process (House) A House Impeachment Committee is asked to investigate claims that the President has committed a “high crime” against the U.S. The committee finds enough evidence to write up the Articles. ( Official charges of criminal activity ) The Articles are brought to the entire House of Reps for a discussion and vote. (A majority vote is necessary to pass)
40
Impeachment Process (Senate) 1. After Articles of Impeachment are approved by a majority vote of the House, the Senate will hold a trial to determine the guilt of the President. 2.A 2/3 rds vote is needed to remove a President from office.
41
Impeaching President Clinton
42
Pres. Clinton Impeachment Two(2) Articles of Impeachment are passed by the House of Representatives in December,1998. Text of Impeachment Articles against Clinton 2 other articles were written by the committee but were not passed by the entire House of Representatives. Article 2 “Obstruction of Justice” Article 1 Perjury……“Lying under Oath”
43
Pres. Clinton Impeachment Because Impeachment charges were approved by the full House of Representatives, a trial by the Senate is scheduled to take place.
44
Pres. Clinton Impeachment The trial does not result in removal from office A 55-45 vote on Article 1 “Lying under Oath” Voting not guilty (10 Rep, 45 Dem) Voting guilty (45 Rep, 0 Dem) A 50-50 vote on Article 2 “Obstruction Charge” Voting not guilty (5 Rep, 45 Dem) Voting guilty (50 Rep, 0 Dem)
45
Pres. Clinton Impeachment
46
Electing a U.S. President (after a failed Electoral College result )
47
House of Representatives If no candidate receives the majority of the Electoral Votes, the House of Representatives is responsible for choosing the President.
48
Senate Votes for Vice Pres. If no candidate receives the majority of the Electoral Votes, the U.S. Senate is responsible for choosing the Vice President.
Similar presentations
© 2025 SlidePlayer.com. Inc.
All rights reserved.