The document provides information on the structure and processes of Congress, including the qualifications and terms for members of the House and Senate, the constitutional powers of Congress, committee system and types of committees, and some reforms implemented over time. Key powers of Congress include taxation, spending, regulation of interstate commerce, and oversight of the executive branch through committees. Committees play a major role in Congress by considering bills, investigating issues, and overseeing the government.
The document outlines the qualifications, privileges, and responsibilities of members of Congress. It discusses that Senators must be at least 30 years old, have been a US citizen for 9+ years, and live in the state they represent. Representatives must be 25+, citizens for 7+ years, and live in their state. Members earn $165,000 annually and have professional immunity. Their main jobs are lawmaking, casework for constituents, and bringing funding and jobs to their district through projects, grants, and contracts, including some criticized as "pork barrel" projects.
The document provides an overview of how Congress is organized and structured according to the U.S. Constitution. It discusses how Congress is made up of two chambers, the House of Representatives and the Senate, with different membership sizes and terms. It also describes the process by which a bill is introduced, debated through committees, amended, and voted on before potentially becoming law, which involves multiple steps and opportunities for the bill to be altered or blocked.
The document provides an overview of the presidency and executive branch. It discusses that the president is head of the executive branch and outlines qualifications to be president. It also describes the president's constitutional powers, roles like chief executive and commander-in-chief, and tools of foreign policy. The executive branch is made up of the White House staff, cabinet, and federal bureaucracy which help the president implement laws and policy.
Congress: Organization and Powers (See description for updated versions)Matthew Caggia
Overview of the organization, powers, and work of Congress (updated 09/15)
See newest update https://www.slideshare.net/mcaggia/how-congress-is-organized-200149905
The document outlines the qualifications, powers, and roles of the US President as established by the Constitution. The President must be at least 35 years old, a natural born US citizen, and have lived in the country for at least 14 years. Key powers include executing federal laws, appointing officials, negotiating treaties, commanding the military, and issuing pardons. The roles of the President include chief executive, chief diplomat, chief legislator, and commander-in-chief.
Slideshow prepared for a series of lectures on the U.S. Congress for PS 101 American Government at the University of Kentucky, Fall 2007. Dr. Christopher S. Rice, Lecturer.
Congress is organized into two chambers, the House of Representatives and the Senate, which together make up the legislative branch of government. The House has 435 members apportioned among the states based on population, while the Senate has two members from each state. Both chambers perform lawmaking duties through committees and floor debates, while also working to benefit their constituents through casework, public works projects, and securing federal grants and contracts.
The Executive Branch enforces animal rights to a limited extent through existing laws like the Animal Welfare Act and Humane Slaughter Act. President Obama received a score of 75% from the Humane Society for his positions and did not co-sponsor stronger proposed legislation. The Executive Branch implements existing laws but can also influence policy through actions and statements on issues like hunting and research animal use.
The document outlines the qualifications, privileges, and responsibilities of members of Congress. It discusses that Senators must be at least 30 years old, have been a US citizen for 9+ years, and live in the state they represent. Representatives must be 25+, citizens for 7+ years, and live in their state. Members earn $165,000 annually and have professional immunity. Their main jobs are lawmaking, casework for constituents, and bringing funding and jobs to their district through projects, grants, and contracts, including some criticized as "pork barrel" projects.
The document provides an overview of how Congress is organized and structured according to the U.S. Constitution. It discusses how Congress is made up of two chambers, the House of Representatives and the Senate, with different membership sizes and terms. It also describes the process by which a bill is introduced, debated through committees, amended, and voted on before potentially becoming law, which involves multiple steps and opportunities for the bill to be altered or blocked.
The document provides an overview of the presidency and executive branch. It discusses that the president is head of the executive branch and outlines qualifications to be president. It also describes the president's constitutional powers, roles like chief executive and commander-in-chief, and tools of foreign policy. The executive branch is made up of the White House staff, cabinet, and federal bureaucracy which help the president implement laws and policy.
Congress: Organization and Powers (See description for updated versions)Matthew Caggia
Overview of the organization, powers, and work of Congress (updated 09/15)
See newest update https://www.slideshare.net/mcaggia/how-congress-is-organized-200149905
The document outlines the qualifications, powers, and roles of the US President as established by the Constitution. The President must be at least 35 years old, a natural born US citizen, and have lived in the country for at least 14 years. Key powers include executing federal laws, appointing officials, negotiating treaties, commanding the military, and issuing pardons. The roles of the President include chief executive, chief diplomat, chief legislator, and commander-in-chief.
Slideshow prepared for a series of lectures on the U.S. Congress for PS 101 American Government at the University of Kentucky, Fall 2007. Dr. Christopher S. Rice, Lecturer.
Congress is organized into two chambers, the House of Representatives and the Senate, which together make up the legislative branch of government. The House has 435 members apportioned among the states based on population, while the Senate has two members from each state. Both chambers perform lawmaking duties through committees and floor debates, while also working to benefit their constituents through casework, public works projects, and securing federal grants and contracts.
The Executive Branch enforces animal rights to a limited extent through existing laws like the Animal Welfare Act and Humane Slaughter Act. President Obama received a score of 75% from the Humane Society for his positions and did not co-sponsor stronger proposed legislation. The Executive Branch implements existing laws but can also influence policy through actions and statements on issues like hunting and research animal use.
The document outlines the structure of the United States Constitution, including the separation of powers into the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. It describes the organization of Congress and its powers, the role and qualifications of the President, and limitations on governmental powers. Key concepts covered include the bicameral legislature, Congressional lawmaking process, enumerated and implied powers, and checks and balances between the branches of government.
The document provides an overview of the legislative process in Congress. It describes how Congress is organized at the beginning of each new term, with each house electing leaders and committees. It then explains the roles of key leaders like the Speaker of the House and party leaders. It details how bills are introduced and referred to committees, which may hold hearings and amend bills before reporting them to the floor for debate and a vote. Committees play a crucial role in reviewing legislation.
The document provides an overview of the US government system, including:
- The colonial period and problems with British rule that led to the Declaration of Independence.
- The structure and weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation government.
- The key principles of the US Constitution such as popular sovereignty, separation of powers, checks and balances.
- An outline of the three branches of government - legislative, executive, judicial - and their main powers and responsibilities.
The document provides an overview of the U.S. government structure established by the Declaration of Independence, Articles of Confederation, and U.S. Constitution. It summarizes the key aspects and shortcomings of the Articles of Confederation, the Constitutional Convention, and the three branches of government established by the Constitution: the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. It also briefly outlines some of the amendments to the Constitution.
The document outlines the duties and qualifications of key North Carolina executive branch officials including the governor, lieutenant governor, cabinet, and council of state. The governor appoints cabinet heads and proposes the state budget, while having authority over state agencies. The lieutenant governor succeeds the governor if necessary and leads the state senate. Both the cabinet and council of state oversee various state departments and programs.
The document summarizes the key points of the United States Constitution for children. It explains that the Constitution is the highest law of the land, establishes the three branches of government, and gives Americans rights like freedom of speech through the Bill of Rights. It was written in 1787 by the founding fathers called the Framers to create a stronger government and protect rights and freedoms.
The Executive Branch is outlined in Article 2 of the Constitution. It briefly states that the President has different roles including as head of state, commander-in-chief, and chief executive. The President works with their Cabinet and executive agencies/departments to carry out laws and policies. Key parts of the Executive Branch include the Vice President, Executive Office of the President, and federal bureaucracy. Foreign policy tools available to the President include treaties, trade, foreign aid, and military force.
The document summarizes information about the U.S. Congress from Chapter 10. It discusses the reasons for a bicameral legislature established by the Constitution, including historical precedent from the British Parliament and the need for compromise between state plans. It also describes terms of Congress, sessions of Congress, the size and terms of the House and Senate, qualifications for members of each chamber, committee work and oversight responsibilities of legislators, and their compensation.
This document discusses various constitutions including Canada's Constitution Act of 1982 and Charter of Rights and Freedoms. It explains that the Constitution Act marked the first inclusion of a charter of rights in Canada, giving courts a greater role in reviewing legislation. The Charter protects fundamental rights and freedoms and balances legislative and judicial powers. The document also summarizes other important constitutions like the Magna Carta and British North America Act of 1867 that helped establish Canada's system of government. Students will analyze sections of the fictional "Civic Mirror Constitution" in groups.
This document contains notes from a civics or government class covering several topics:
1. The daily agenda includes finishing a practice test, learning about checks and balances, and completing notes on the Constitution.
2. Key issues examined by the Supreme Court like same-sex marriage, gun laws, and abortion laws are listed.
3. The reasons judges receive lifetime appointments are explained as limiting a president's power to fire and replace judges.
4. The presidential powers and 15 advisors are outlined.
5. An overview of the Illinois Constitution and government is provided, naming the governor, lieutenant governor, and other officials.
- Illinois was established as a state on August 26, 1818 after being carved out of the Northwest Territory, with Kaskaskia as its first capital. The capital later moved to Vandalia in 1820 and Springfield in 1839.
- The executive branch is led by 6 officers including the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, Attorney General, Comptroller, and Treasurer, who all serve 4-year terms.
- The legislative branch is made up of the 118-member House of Representatives and the 59-member Senate. Representatives serve 2-year terms and senators serve either 4- or 2-year terms depending on their election cycle rotation.
The document provides information on the Illinois Constitution and government. It discusses how Illinois became a state in 1818 as the 21st state. It outlines the main branches of government - the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. It describes the roles and leaders of each branch, including the governor, legislators, and Supreme Court justices. It also lists some state symbols of Illinois such as the state flower, bird, insect, and others.
The Executive Branch-US GOVERNMENT CHPT 5 Anna Pizelo
Here are two executive agencies and one task each performs:
Department of State - Handles foreign relations and appoints ambassadors
Department of Defense - Oversees the military and national security
Department of Justice - Enforces laws and investigates crimes
The document provides an overview of the branches of government in the United States. It discusses the structure of Congress, including that it is bicameral with the House of Representatives and Senate. It describes the composition of each chamber and qualifications for members. It also covers congressional organization, committees, legislative process, and interactions between Congress and the President.
The document provides an overview of the structure and roles of the United States Congress, which is made up of the House of Representatives and Senate. It details the composition and leadership positions of both chambers, as well as the key duties of Congress which include passing laws, representing constituents, and overseeing the federal government. Procedures like redistricting, filibusters, and the committee process are also summarized.
This document provides an overview of a chapter that discusses how Congress works. It covers four main sections: how a bill becomes a law, taxing and spending bills, influencing Congress, and helping constituents. For each section, it lists key terms, learning objectives, and subsections that describe important concepts and processes within Congress.
The United States Constitution is the highest law of the land. It was written in 1787 by the founding fathers known as the framers to create a framework for how the government would work by establishing the executive, legislative, and judicial branches. The Constitution protects citizens' rights through the Bill of Rights, which guarantees freedoms of speech, press, and protection from unlawful search and seizure. It remains an important document that has guided the nation for over 200 years.
The Legislative Branch - How Congress is OrganizedStephen Veliz
The document discusses the organization and structure of the United States Congress. It is divided into two chambers, the Senate and House of Representatives. The Senate has 100 members with two seats per state and longer terms, while the House has 435 members allocated among the states based on population and shorter terms. Each chamber is further divided into majority and minority parties that elect leadership positions like Speaker of the House and Majority Leader. Congress also utilizes committees to handle specialized work.
The document provides information on the structure and roles of Congress, including qualifications for representatives and senators, constitutional powers of Congress, congressional leadership positions, and an overview of congressional committees and their functions. Key points covered include age and citizenship requirements for representatives and senators, enumerated powers and the elastic clause, leadership roles like the speaker of the house and president of the senate, and the types and purposes of standing, select, and conference committees.
The document provides an overview of the Declaration of Independence, Articles of Confederation, and U.S. Constitution. It describes the purpose and key aspects of each, including that the Declaration announced independence from Britain, the Articles established the first government but had weaknesses, and the Constitution established a stronger federal government with executive, legislative, and judicial branches.
The document summarizes the structure and powers of the United States Congress. It describes Congress as a bicameral legislative body consisting of the House of Representatives and the Senate. It outlines the qualifications, terms, and election processes for both chambers. It also discusses the powers of Congress, including expressed powers directly granted by the Constitution as well as implied powers.
The document provides information about the legislative branch of the US government. It discusses the members and organization of Congress, including the House of Representatives and Senate. It explains that Congress is bicameral, with 435 members in the House serving 2 year terms and 100 Senators serving 6 year terms. The document also outlines the powers of Congress, such as passing legislation and approving budgets, and how a bill becomes a law through committee review and votes in both the House and Senate.
The document outlines the structure of the United States Constitution, including the separation of powers into the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. It describes the organization of Congress and its powers, the role and qualifications of the President, and limitations on governmental powers. Key concepts covered include the bicameral legislature, Congressional lawmaking process, enumerated and implied powers, and checks and balances between the branches of government.
The document provides an overview of the legislative process in Congress. It describes how Congress is organized at the beginning of each new term, with each house electing leaders and committees. It then explains the roles of key leaders like the Speaker of the House and party leaders. It details how bills are introduced and referred to committees, which may hold hearings and amend bills before reporting them to the floor for debate and a vote. Committees play a crucial role in reviewing legislation.
The document provides an overview of the US government system, including:
- The colonial period and problems with British rule that led to the Declaration of Independence.
- The structure and weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation government.
- The key principles of the US Constitution such as popular sovereignty, separation of powers, checks and balances.
- An outline of the three branches of government - legislative, executive, judicial - and their main powers and responsibilities.
The document provides an overview of the U.S. government structure established by the Declaration of Independence, Articles of Confederation, and U.S. Constitution. It summarizes the key aspects and shortcomings of the Articles of Confederation, the Constitutional Convention, and the three branches of government established by the Constitution: the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. It also briefly outlines some of the amendments to the Constitution.
The document outlines the duties and qualifications of key North Carolina executive branch officials including the governor, lieutenant governor, cabinet, and council of state. The governor appoints cabinet heads and proposes the state budget, while having authority over state agencies. The lieutenant governor succeeds the governor if necessary and leads the state senate. Both the cabinet and council of state oversee various state departments and programs.
The document summarizes the key points of the United States Constitution for children. It explains that the Constitution is the highest law of the land, establishes the three branches of government, and gives Americans rights like freedom of speech through the Bill of Rights. It was written in 1787 by the founding fathers called the Framers to create a stronger government and protect rights and freedoms.
The Executive Branch is outlined in Article 2 of the Constitution. It briefly states that the President has different roles including as head of state, commander-in-chief, and chief executive. The President works with their Cabinet and executive agencies/departments to carry out laws and policies. Key parts of the Executive Branch include the Vice President, Executive Office of the President, and federal bureaucracy. Foreign policy tools available to the President include treaties, trade, foreign aid, and military force.
The document summarizes information about the U.S. Congress from Chapter 10. It discusses the reasons for a bicameral legislature established by the Constitution, including historical precedent from the British Parliament and the need for compromise between state plans. It also describes terms of Congress, sessions of Congress, the size and terms of the House and Senate, qualifications for members of each chamber, committee work and oversight responsibilities of legislators, and their compensation.
This document discusses various constitutions including Canada's Constitution Act of 1982 and Charter of Rights and Freedoms. It explains that the Constitution Act marked the first inclusion of a charter of rights in Canada, giving courts a greater role in reviewing legislation. The Charter protects fundamental rights and freedoms and balances legislative and judicial powers. The document also summarizes other important constitutions like the Magna Carta and British North America Act of 1867 that helped establish Canada's system of government. Students will analyze sections of the fictional "Civic Mirror Constitution" in groups.
This document contains notes from a civics or government class covering several topics:
1. The daily agenda includes finishing a practice test, learning about checks and balances, and completing notes on the Constitution.
2. Key issues examined by the Supreme Court like same-sex marriage, gun laws, and abortion laws are listed.
3. The reasons judges receive lifetime appointments are explained as limiting a president's power to fire and replace judges.
4. The presidential powers and 15 advisors are outlined.
5. An overview of the Illinois Constitution and government is provided, naming the governor, lieutenant governor, and other officials.
- Illinois was established as a state on August 26, 1818 after being carved out of the Northwest Territory, with Kaskaskia as its first capital. The capital later moved to Vandalia in 1820 and Springfield in 1839.
- The executive branch is led by 6 officers including the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, Attorney General, Comptroller, and Treasurer, who all serve 4-year terms.
- The legislative branch is made up of the 118-member House of Representatives and the 59-member Senate. Representatives serve 2-year terms and senators serve either 4- or 2-year terms depending on their election cycle rotation.
The document provides information on the Illinois Constitution and government. It discusses how Illinois became a state in 1818 as the 21st state. It outlines the main branches of government - the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. It describes the roles and leaders of each branch, including the governor, legislators, and Supreme Court justices. It also lists some state symbols of Illinois such as the state flower, bird, insect, and others.
The Executive Branch-US GOVERNMENT CHPT 5 Anna Pizelo
Here are two executive agencies and one task each performs:
Department of State - Handles foreign relations and appoints ambassadors
Department of Defense - Oversees the military and national security
Department of Justice - Enforces laws and investigates crimes
The document provides an overview of the branches of government in the United States. It discusses the structure of Congress, including that it is bicameral with the House of Representatives and Senate. It describes the composition of each chamber and qualifications for members. It also covers congressional organization, committees, legislative process, and interactions between Congress and the President.
The document provides an overview of the structure and roles of the United States Congress, which is made up of the House of Representatives and Senate. It details the composition and leadership positions of both chambers, as well as the key duties of Congress which include passing laws, representing constituents, and overseeing the federal government. Procedures like redistricting, filibusters, and the committee process are also summarized.
This document provides an overview of a chapter that discusses how Congress works. It covers four main sections: how a bill becomes a law, taxing and spending bills, influencing Congress, and helping constituents. For each section, it lists key terms, learning objectives, and subsections that describe important concepts and processes within Congress.
The United States Constitution is the highest law of the land. It was written in 1787 by the founding fathers known as the framers to create a framework for how the government would work by establishing the executive, legislative, and judicial branches. The Constitution protects citizens' rights through the Bill of Rights, which guarantees freedoms of speech, press, and protection from unlawful search and seizure. It remains an important document that has guided the nation for over 200 years.
The Legislative Branch - How Congress is OrganizedStephen Veliz
The document discusses the organization and structure of the United States Congress. It is divided into two chambers, the Senate and House of Representatives. The Senate has 100 members with two seats per state and longer terms, while the House has 435 members allocated among the states based on population and shorter terms. Each chamber is further divided into majority and minority parties that elect leadership positions like Speaker of the House and Majority Leader. Congress also utilizes committees to handle specialized work.
The document provides information on the structure and roles of Congress, including qualifications for representatives and senators, constitutional powers of Congress, congressional leadership positions, and an overview of congressional committees and their functions. Key points covered include age and citizenship requirements for representatives and senators, enumerated powers and the elastic clause, leadership roles like the speaker of the house and president of the senate, and the types and purposes of standing, select, and conference committees.
The document provides an overview of the Declaration of Independence, Articles of Confederation, and U.S. Constitution. It describes the purpose and key aspects of each, including that the Declaration announced independence from Britain, the Articles established the first government but had weaknesses, and the Constitution established a stronger federal government with executive, legislative, and judicial branches.
The document summarizes the structure and powers of the United States Congress. It describes Congress as a bicameral legislative body consisting of the House of Representatives and the Senate. It outlines the qualifications, terms, and election processes for both chambers. It also discusses the powers of Congress, including expressed powers directly granted by the Constitution as well as implied powers.
The document provides information about the legislative branch of the US government. It discusses the members and organization of Congress, including the House of Representatives and Senate. It explains that Congress is bicameral, with 435 members in the House serving 2 year terms and 100 Senators serving 6 year terms. The document also outlines the powers of Congress, such as passing legislation and approving budgets, and how a bill becomes a law through committee review and votes in both the House and Senate.
The document provides an overview of the US Congress and its powers and responsibilities based on the Constitution. It discusses how Congress is made up of the House of Representatives and Senate, with the House having 435 members elected every 2 years and the Senate having 100 members elected to 6-year terms. It outlines some of Congress's key powers like collecting taxes, regulating commerce, and declaring war.
Constitution of USA
Congress
House of representative
Senate
composition of senate
Composition of house of representative
Function of speaker of USA and U.K.
Difference between U.K and USA parliament
special powers of senate and house of representative
The document provides an overview of the legislative branch of the U.S. government, including the roles and powers of Congress. It discusses the structure of the House of Representatives and Senate, qualifications for members, and leadership positions. Key powers of Congress outlined include taxation, borrowing, regulating commerce, declaring war, and confirming presidential appointments.
This document provides an overview of the three branches of the US government:
- The executive branch is led by the President, whose duties include enforcing laws, serving as commander-in-chief of the military, and meeting with foreign leaders. The President is assisted by the Vice President and Cabinet secretaries.
- The judicial branch is made up of federal courts, headed by the Supreme Court, which decides cases about laws and their constitutionality.
- The legislative branch is Congress, comprised of the Senate and House of Representatives. Congress writes and passes bills to become laws, with the Senate providing equal representation for each state and the House representing states based on population.
The document provides an overview of the legislative process for creating laws in the United States Congress. It describes the 6 main steps: (1) a bill is introduced, (2) referred to committee for review, (3) debated on the House or Senate floor, (4) sent to a conference committee if amended differently, (5) sent to the President to be signed or vetoed, (6) becomes law if signed or veto is overridden. It also outlines the roles of the House, Senate and President in considering and passing bills into law.
The executive branch is led by the President, whose duties include enforcing laws, serving as commander-in-chief of the military, and meeting with foreign leaders. The President is assisted by the Vice President and department heads that make up the Cabinet. Congress, the legislative branch, is made up of the House of Representatives and the Senate. The judicial branch is headed by the Supreme Court, which decides cases based on the meaning and application of laws and their constitutionality.
The executive branch is led by the President, whose duties include enforcing laws, serving as commander-in-chief of the military, and meeting with foreign leaders. The President is assisted by the Vice President and department heads that make up the Cabinet. Congress, the legislative branch, is made up of the Senate and House of Representatives and is responsible for creating laws. The judicial branch includes the court system headed by the Supreme Court, which decides cases based on the meaning and application of laws and their constitutionality.
The executive branch is led by the President, whose duties include enforcing laws, serving as commander-in-chief of the military, and meeting with foreign leaders. The President is assisted by the Vice President and department heads that make up the Cabinet. Congress, the legislative branch, is made up of the House of Representatives and the Senate. The judicial branch is headed by the Supreme Court, which decides cases based on the meaning and application of laws and the Constitution.
Citizenship in the Nation BSA Merit Badges Slide Showmamahaug3
This document provides information about the structure and powers of the United States government as outlined in the Constitution. It discusses the three branches of government - legislative, executive, and judicial - and their basic roles and enumerated powers. For the legislative branch, it describes the House of Representatives and Senate. For the executive branch, it outlines the role and powers of the President. And for the judicial branch, it provides details on the Supreme Court.
The document provides information on lobbying the US Congress and the legislative process. It discusses that the First Amendment protects the right to lobby Congress and petition the government. It then outlines some myths about lobbying and the power of individual Congress members. It also summarizes the legislative process in the House and Senate, including the roles of committees and how a bill becomes law. Finally, it provides tips on grassroots lobbying and effective lobbying in Washington DC, including bringing the right people and knowing key terms.
Chapter 8 Government, Citizenship, and the ConstitutionTisha Stoutenburg
The document summarizes the goals, principles, and structure of the US Constitution and government. It outlines the three branches of government and their roles, as well as the system of checks and balances. It also discusses the amendment process, state and local governments, and the rights and responsibilities of US citizenship.
- Canada has a parliamentary democracy with three branches of government: legislative, executive, and judicial. The legislative branch includes the Queen, Senate, and House of Commons. The executive branch implements laws and includes the Queen, Prime Minister, and Cabinet. The judicial branch applies laws independently.
- The federal government has three levels - the Queen as head of state, the Prime Minister as head of government, and Parliament which passes laws. Provincial governments have similar structures without the Senate. The Supreme Court is the highest court.
This document provides an overview of how Congress is organized and operates. It discusses that Congress is made up of the House of Representatives and Senate. The House has 435 members representing districts, while the Senate has 100 members with 2 from each state. Members serve 2-year terms in the House and 6-year staggered terms in the Senate. The document outlines the roles of congressional leaders and different types of committees. It also summarizes the legislative process from a bill's introduction to becoming a law.
The document provides an overview of the structure and functions of the US Congress. It discusses the two chambers (House of Representatives and Senate), their roles and responsibilities, committee system, and the process for how a bill becomes a law. Key points include Congress having the power to declare war, regulate commerce, and coin money. The House originates revenue bills and representation is based on population. The Senate provides advice and consent on treaties and presidential appointments.
The document provides an overview of the structure and functions of the US Congress. It discusses the two chambers (House of Representatives and Senate), their roles and responsibilities, committee system, and the process for how a bill becomes a law. Key points include Congress having the power to declare war, regulate commerce, and coin money. The House originates revenue bills and representation is based on population. The Senate provides advice and consent on treaties and presidential appointments.
2. Structure of Congress
United States United States
House of Representatives Senate
25 years old 30 years old
7 years a citizen of the US 9 years a citizen of the US
2 year term 6 year term
A citizen of the state A citizen of the state
represented
represented
No term limits
No term limits
Original number was 65; in
1911, the size was limited to 2 Senators per state,
435. originally elected by State
The 435 are reapportioned legislatures; in 1913, the
among the states every 10 17th Amendment provided
years after the census is taken for direct election of
Senators
3. Constitutional Powers
Article I, Section 8: (Enumerated Powers)
Lay and collect taxes, duties, imports and excises
Borrow money
Regulate commerce with foreign nations and among the states
Establish rules for naturalization and bankruptcy
Coin money
Fix the standard of weights and measures
Establish a post office and post roads
Issue patents and copyrights
Create courts
Define and punish piracies
Declare war
Raise and support an army and navy
Provide for a militia
Exercise exclusive legislative powers over the District of Columbia and other
federal facilities
4. Constitutional Powers – Elastic Clause
Elastic Clause – Necessary and Proper Clause –
allowed government to “make all laws which shall be
necessary and proper for carrying into execution the
foregoing powers, and all other powers vested by this
Constitution in the government of the United
States.”
McCulloch v. Maryland – creation of the National Bank using
the Elastic Clause and Commerce Clause
5. Exclusive Powers of the House
Exclusive Powers given to the House
Revenue Bills – must originate in the House.
Although still around today, it has become blurred
over the years. Often budget bills are considered
simultaneously in both houses and tax policy has
become a major initiative of the president.
Impeachment Power – the authority to charge the
president, vice president, and other “civil officers”
with “high crimes and misdemeanors”
6. Exclusive Powers of the Senate
Exclusive Powers given to the Senate
Major Presidential Appointments – must be
confirmed by the Senate. The Senate offers “advice
and consent” to the president by a majority vote
regarding the appointments of federal judges,
ambassadors, and Cabinet positions.
Treaties with other nations – entered into by the
president must be approved by a 2/3 vote of the
Senate.
7. Evolutionary Powers
Based of the Elastic Clause
Oversight of the Budget – Congress reviews and restricts
the annual budge prepared by the executive branch.
When a law is passed setting up a government program,
Congress must pass an authorization bill that states the
maximum amount of money available. When the
nation's budget is set, only Congress can set the
appropriations – the actual amount available in a fiscal
year – for each program that is authorized.
Investigation – Congress may investigate both issues that
warrant study and wrong doings by public officials.
(Examples: Watergate and Clinton-Lewinksy Hearings)
8. Congressional Leadership
Current US House of Representatives
Speaker of the House – John Boehner (R - OH)
Majority Leader – Eric Cantor (R - VA)
Minority Leader – Nancy Pelosi (D - CA)
Majority Whip – Kevin McCarthy (R - CA)
Minority Whip – Steny Hoyer (D - MD)
Current US Senate
President of the Senate - Joe Biden (D)(VP)
Majority Leader – Harry Reid (D - NV)
Minority Leader – Mitch McConnell (R - KY)
President Pro Tempore – Daniel Inouye (D - HA)
Majority Whip – Dick Durbin (D - IL)
Minority Whip – Jon Kyl (R - AZ)
*Usually the same party holds both houses, occasionally there is a split
Examples: 1983-1985, 2001, 2010-?
9. The Speaker of the House
Most important leadership position in the House
Position is provided for in the constitution, “the House shall
choose their Speaker and other Officers”
Today the majority party does the choosing
Around the turn of the century, the speaker was all-powerful –
a revolt by membership in 1910 gave some of the Speaker‟s
powers to committees, but today‟s speaker still:
Recognizing members who wish to speak
Ruling on questions of parliamentary procedure
Appointing members to select and conference committees
Directing business on the floor
Exercising political and behind-the-scenes influence
Appointing members of the committees who appoint members to
standing committees
Exercising substantial control over which bills get assigned to which
committees
10. House Leadership
Majority Leader / Minority Leader / Whips
Majority Leader
Often a stepping stone the Speaker‟s position
Responsible for scheduling bills and rounding up votes for bills the
party favors
Minority Leader
Spokesperson for the minority party, and usually steps in the
position of Speaker when and if his or her party gains a majority in
the House.
Party Whips
Serve as go-betweens for the members and the leadership. They
inform members when important bills will come up for a vote, do
head-counts and pressure members to support the leadership.
11. Senate Leadership
President of the Senate – Vice President of the US, can
vote only in case of a tie and seldom attends Senate
sessions.
President Pro Tempore – elected from majority party,
largely ceremonial position – official chair of the Senate,
but since it has no real powers, the job of presiding over
the Senate is usually given to a junior senator
Majority Leader – most influential person in the senate.
Has the right to be the first Senator heard on the floor
Determines the Senate‟s agenda and usually helps assign committees
Minority Leader – has as much power as the majority
party is willing to allow
Whips – same as the House
14. Committees and Subcommittees
Most of the real work goes on committees/subcommittees
Bills are considered in committees and they investigate
problems and oversee the executive branch.
More than 11,000 bills are introduced in the House and Senate
over the two-year life span of a Congress. (112th)
Each bill is submitted to a committee, the majority of bills are
pigeonholed (forgotten); most bills die on committee
About 3000 staff assist the various committees conducting
research, administrative and clerical work
The bills that survive the subcommittee phase are then
marked up (changed or rewritten) and returned to the full
committee where they may be altered further. If the
committee approves the bill, it will be sent first to the Rules
Committee in the House, and then to the floor. The bill is sent
directly to the floor in the Senate.
15. Types of Committees
Standing Committee (most important) – handle bills in
different policy areas, thus shaping legislation at a very critical
point. House has 20, Senate has 16.
Select Committees – formed for a specific purpose and are
usually temporary. Example: Watergate, Select Committee on
Aging and Select Committee on Indian Affairs. (SPECIAL)
Joint Committee – similar to Select committees, but consist
of members from both the House and Senate. Example, a Joint
Committee was formed to investigate Iran-Contra in the 1980s
and they oversee institutions such as the Library of Congress.
Conference Committee – also consists of members from
both chambers, but they are formed exclusively to hammer out
differences between House and Senate version of similar bills.
A bill goes to a conference committee after is has been
approved in separate processes in the two houses, and a
compromise bill is sent back to each house for final approval.
16. Standing Committees in Congress
Standing Committees Standing Committees
House of Representatives Senate
1. Agriculture
1. Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry
2. Appropriations *
2. Appropriations
3. Armed Services
3. Armed Services
4. Budget
4. Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs
5. Education and the Workforce
5. Budget
6. Energy and Commerce
6. Commerce, Science and Transportation
7. Ethics
7. Energy and Natural Resources
8. Financial Service
8. Environment and Public Works
9. Foreign Affairs
9. Finance
10. Homeland Security
10. Foreign Relations
11. House Administration
11. Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs
12. Judiciary
12. Health, Education, Labor and Pensions
13. Natural Resources
13. Judiciary
14. Oversight and Government Reform
14. Rules and Administration
15. Rules *
15. Small Business and Entrepreneurship
16. Science, Space and Technology
16. Veterans Affairs
17. Small Business
18. Transportation and Infrastructure
19. Veterans Affairs
20. Ways and Means *
17. Committee Membership
Committee Membership is controlled by the parties, primarily the majority party
Each member of the House usually serves on two standing committees, unless he or
she is on an exclusive committee
Appropriations, Rules or Ways and Means
Each senator may serve on two “major” committees and one “minor” committee
The chairman and a majority of each standing committee come from the majority
party
The remaining committee members are from the minority party, but they are always
a minority on the committee.
Assignments are based on the personal and political qualities of the member, his or
her region and whether the assignment will help reelect the member.
Committee chairmen are the most important shapers of the committee agenda.
Their positions were made powerful by the House 1910 revolt, which transferred
power from the Speaker to the chairmen.
From 1910 until the early 1970s, chairmen were strictly chosen by the seniority
system.
In the early 1970s, the House decided to select committee chairmen by secret ballots
from all of the majority members. (Further info on this later in PPT)
18. How are members assigned?
Before Members are assigned to committees, each committee's size and the
proportion of Republicans to Democrats must be decided by the party leaders. The
total number of committee slots allotted to each party is approximately the same as
the ratio between majority party and minority party members in the full Chamber.
Members are then assigned to committees in a three-step process.
Each of the two principle parties in the House is responsible for the assigning its
members to committees, and at the first stage, each party uses a committee on
committees to make the initial recommendations for assignments.
At the beginning of the new Congress, (1) Members express preferences for
assignment to the appropriate committee on committees. Most incumbents prefer
to remain on the same committees so as not to forfeit expertise and committee
seniority.
(2) These committees on committees then match preferences with committee slots,
following certain guidelines designed in part to distribute assignments fairly. They
then prepare and approve an assignment slate for each committee, and submit all
slates to the appropriate full party conference for approval. Approval at this second
stage often is granted easily, but the conferences have procedures for disapproving
recommended Members and nominating others in their stead.
(3) Finally, at the third stage, each committee submits its slate to the full Chamber
for approval, which is generally granted.
19. The Rules Committee in the House
Plays a key role in shaping legislation because it sets very
important rules for debate when the bill is presented to
the House after it leaves the committee.
A Closed Rule (sometimes called a „gag‟ rule) sets strict time limits
on debates and forbids amendments from the floor, except those
from the presenting committee. Under closed rule, members not on
the committee have little choice but to vote for or against the bill as it
is.
An Open Rule permits amendments and often has less strict time
limits, allowing for input from other members. The Rules committee
is controlled by the Speaker, and in recent years, has put more and
more restrictions on bills, giving Rules even more power.
A Restrictive Rule, permits certain kinds of amendments, but not
others to be made into a bill on the floor.
20. Congressional Reforms
Reforms on the 1970s that further democratized the workings of Congress, it became
known as the “Bill of Rights”
House:
Committee chairmen to be elected by secret ballot in party caucus (attempt to
replace seniority system)
No member to chair more than one committee
All committees with more than twenty members to have at least four subcommittees
(at the time Ways and Means had no subcommittees)
Committee and personal staffs to be increased in size
Committee meetings to be public unless members vote to close them
Senate:
Committee meetings to be public unless members vote to close them
Committee chairmen to be selected by secret ballot
Committees to have larger staffs
No senator to chair more than one committee
* This resulted in Proxy Voting… written authorization to cast another person‟s vote *
21. Congressional Reforms Cont.
House Reforms in 1995
Banned proxy voting
Limited committee and subcommittee chairmen‟s tenures to
three terms (6 years) and the Speaker‟s to four terms (8 years)
They allowed more frequent floor debate under open rules
They reduced the number of committees and subcommittees
They authorized committee chairmen to hire subcommittee
staffs
Senate Reforms in 1995
A 6 year term limit on all committee chairmen (no limit on the
majority leader‟s term)
A requirement that committee members select their chairmen
by secret ballot
22. Other Information
Multiple Referral – Congressional process whereby a
bill may be referred to several committees
Allows all voices to be heard, but often is time consuming and allows
for greater negative input as well
Committee of the Whole (only in the House),
technically the House is the largest committee and it can
act as a Committee, only needs 100 members.
Quorum for the House itself is 218
Discharge Petition – device by which any member of
the House after a committee has had the bill for 30 days,
may petition to have it brought to the floor. (needs 218
signatures) – only used 24ish times successfully
23. For Tomorrow
Vocab Quiz
HW: House Ways and Means, Rules, Appropriations
Resolutions, a Bill to Law and other options