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U.S. Congress: Structure and Powers

U.S. Congress: Structure and Powers. Powers of Congress. Enumerated 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. Functions of Congress.

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U.S. Congress: Structure and Powers

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  1. U.S. Congress:Structure and Powers

  2. Powers of Congress • Enumerated 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 • How does a bill become a law? • Logrolling • Service to constituents • Casework • Representation • Oversight • Educating the public

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

  5. 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) Senate President 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) Leadership Structure

  6. 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

  7. Fenno’s Paradox

  8. Public’s Evaluation of Congress

  9. Public’s Evaluation of Congress

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