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CONGRESS: The Legislative Branch

CONGRESS: The Legislative Branch. LESSON 8. Key items to know about the Congress…. KEY ITEMS TO KNOW ABOUT THE CONGRESS Most closely represents the people  responsible for making the laws Bicameral legislature. II: See table on next slide and your handout….

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CONGRESS: The Legislative Branch

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  1. CONGRESS:The Legislative Branch LESSON 8

  2. Key items to know about the Congress… • KEY ITEMS TO KNOW ABOUT THE CONGRESS • Most closely represents the people  responsible for making the laws • Bicameral legislature II: See table on next slide and your handout…

  3. Requirements for membership EXTRA CREDIT: Who’s this guy? EXTRA CREDIT: Who’s this guy? EXTRA CREDIT: Who are these people? EXTRA CREDIT: Who are these people?

  4. Membership has its privileges… • CONGRESSIONAL PRIVILEGES • Substantial salary (2013-14:$174,000) • Travel allowance • Free office space and funds for supplies • Franking privilege: right to send official mail free of postage • Freedom from civil arrest during sessions • Freedom of speech on the floor • Can not be sued for slander or libel • Free to speak and debate. EXTRA CREDIT: Who’s this guy?

  5. When does the Congress meet? • CONGRESSIONAL SESSIONS • Meets in two regular sessions in a 2-year term • Session starts on January 3rd and continues as long as there is a need • Beginning with the first Congress 1789-1791, Congress is numbered in order (2013-2014: 113th Congress) 2013-2014: 113thCongress

  6. Special Powers of the House of Representatives • SPECIAL POWERS OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES • Start all revenue bills • Bring charges of impeachment against federal officials • Elect the president if the electoral college fails to give a candidate a majority

  7. Special Powers of the Senate • SPECIAL POWERS OF THE SENATE • Ratify treaties negotiated by the President (2/3 majority vote) • Decide on impeachment trials (2/3 majority vote) • Approve Presidential appointments (majority vote) • Elect Vice President if electoral college is deadlocked

  8. Idea Proposal by Congressperson from either house How a bill becomes a law… Pigeonholing: Most bills proposed (90%) are killed in committee If approved… Bill goes to proper committee Bill is considered by the entire house If approved… If approved… If it’s a REVENUE BILL, it starts in the House of Representatives Bill goes to the committee of the other house Bill is considered by the entire house (majority wins) If approved… Conference committee: Members “fine-tune” the bill and create a compromise bill If the bill PASSES, it goes to the President

  9. How a bill becomes a law… PRESIDENTIAL ACTIONS • If signed within 10 days, it becomes law. • If not signed within 10 days, and Congress is still in session, it still becomes law. • POCKET VETO: Not signed, and Congress is NOT in session, it’s dead. • If President vetoes bill, it goes back to the house it originated (started) in. • Congress may override Presidential veto with a 2/3 majority vote in BOTH houses.

  10. Filibuster - Green Eggs and Ham How do you delay a vote on a bill? • FILIBUSTERING IN THE SENATE • Purpose: A deliberate attempt by a minority Senator to delay a vote on an unfavorable bill  “talk a bill to death” • May be returned to committee • Cloture: A 2/3 majority vote can halt a debate  not used often

  11. How do people have their issues discussed in Congress? • LOBBYING • Special Interest Groups:Political, economic, or social groups that attempt to pressure members of Congress into passing favorable laws

  12. How do people have their issues discussed in Congress? • Lobbyists:Politically experienced people employed by special interest groups • Actions used by lobbyists • Meet with Congressmen and provide expert information • Arrange parties, campaign funds, favors • Urge public response

  13. PROS Right to petition Allows special interest groups to express opinions Call attention to the need of laws Provide valuable information CONS Questionable methods Well financed groups have an advantage over other groups Information may be one sided Pros & Cons of Lobbying

  14. In what other ways do Congressmen “bring home the bacon”? • OTHER CONGRESSSIONAL PRACTICES • Pork Barrel Legislation: Members of Congress provide public works programs for their home districts  earmarks • Logrolling: Deal-making among members of Congress  trades for votes • “You vote for my bill, I’ll vote for yours.”

  15. How can some areas guarantee “better” representation than other places around the country? • Gerrymandering: The process of dividing voting districts to give an unfair advantage to one candidate, party, or group • Before 1964 Controlled by states • Since 1964 Federal government determines congressional districts

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