1. Evolution Of Congress January 14, 2016 AP US Govt. Objective: Better understand…Intentions, conflict, and recent developments within Congress

2. ARE YOU READY FOR CONGRESS INTRO QUIZ-Pocket Constitution House of Representatives 1.How many representatives does the Constitution guarantee each State? 2.Why such a short term? 3.Provide two qualifications to become a House member. 4.If a House Rep. leaves office early, how is the seat filled? 5. What is the most powerful leadership position in the House? Senate 1.How were Senators chosen prior to 1913? How did the 17 th amendment change this? 2.How else, aside from election, can one become a Senator? Is this different than from the House? (Article I, Sec II, Clause 4) 3.List three formal qualifications to become a Senator. 4. List three BASIC steps in the legislative process (How a bill becomes a law)

3. Why is the re-lection rate soooo high for incumbents even though they have such a low approval rating?

4. I. Intentions of Founders CONCERNS/FEARS: 1.Congress=Dominant branch 2.Mob rule: 3.Built-in conflict/inefficiency 4.Representation  Compromise 1. BICAMERALISM

5. II. Conflict= Central vs. Decentralized *Centralization: –Quick/decisive *Decentralization: –slow Congress:

6. II. Ingredients for Centralization (House) 1.Restrict debate (House) 2.Strong leadership (House) 3.Minimal public scrutiny 4.Minimal Committee influence

7. II. Ingredients for Decentralization (Senate) 1.Weak leadership 2.Increase debate (filibuster) –Cloture  3/5 –Nuclear Option (Override Senate rules with majority rule) 3.Stall (Pigeonhole) 4.Strong committee influence

8. II. Recent Developments 1.House  1.Chairmen (3 successive terms) 2.RULE OF THUMB: 1.Congress  Early is Better  Mandate 2.Toe the line 3.Avoid Controversial Topics