PS 102 Congress

Congress

Comprised of house of representatives and the senate, primary function is lawmaking.

Important Functions of congress

Represent the views of constituents
Be of Service to constituents in dealings with the national government
Provide oversight of the actions of the government and his administration.
Provide public education and programs. Set policy.
Provide institutional resolution of societal conflict.

Bicameralism

The practice of having two legislative chambers.

The bicameral system requires two houses to:

Pass identical bills.

National legislature is composed of

The senate and house of representatives

17th Amendment

Allowed senators to be elected by popular vote in each state.

Gerrymandering

The dividing of electoral boundaries to give advantage to one party.

Congressional apportionment

Congress allocates seats once every 10 years using the equal proportions method.

Redistricting

Every 10 years, boundaries are redrawn to maintain similar voters and 435 districts.

Enumerated Power

Power explicitly stated in the constitution.

Implied Power

Not specifically stated, but inferred as necessary to achieve objectives.

Inherent Power

Power that must exist because of the country’s existence.

Enumerated Powers

Levy and collect taxes, appropriations, declare war, raise an army and navy, coin money and borrow money, regulate commerce, establish federal courts, establish rules for immigration and naturalization, issue patents and copyrights.

Inferred Powers

Regulate banks, establish a minimum wage, allow for the construction and maintenance of interstate highways.

Inherent Powers

Controlling borders, expanding territory, defending itself from internal revolution or coups.

2002 McCain-Feingold Act

Placed limits on contributions to political parties, prohibited coordination between candidates and PACs, required candidates to include personal endorsements during ads.

Super PAC

A type of political action committee. Cannot give money directly to a candidate or political party, but they are not bound by the regulations of PACs.

Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission (2010)

Led to the removal of spending limits on corporations.

Incumbent

A member of congress currently holding office.

National Concerns

Function as powerful motivators at the polls.Includes wars and large societal issues.

Descriptive Representation

Racial, ethnic, socioeconomic, and gender of the representatives.

Collective Representation

Whether Congress represents the American people as a whole.

Congressional Approval Ratings

Rates lower when things don’t get done, when unemployment rates are higher. War can bring Congress the people’s favor.

Powers Vested as checks on the other branches

Sole power to introduce legislation, final say on many presidential nominations and treaties, house’s ability to impeach or formally accuse federal officials of wrongdoing.

Marbury v. Madison

Set the precedent for the supreme court to declare laws unconstitutional and judicial review.

Watkins v. US (1957)

Congress’ investigatory powers are limited by protections from the bill of rights.

Parliamentarian

An advisor, typically a trained lawyer, who has studied the long and complex rules of the chamber

Party Leadership in Congress

Leaders are regularly elected by two party conferences

The Speaker

Most important leadership position provided in Congress. The presiding officer and head of the house. Appoints member and chairs to committees, can create select committees.

Majority Leader

Holds considerable power, is in the best position to become the next Speaker.

Minority Leader

The official leader of the opposition.

The Whips

Whip up votes, otherwise enforce party discipline

Filibuster

An action such as a prolonged speech that obstructs progress in a legislative assembly.

How a bill becomes a law (Steps 1 through 5)

Legislation is drafted, majority committee consults with parliamentarian committee assignment, a hearing is held on the bill, the bill enters markup stage, advanced bills pass through the house committee on rules.

How a bill becomes a law (Steps 6 through 10)

The bill moves through the floor in debate and is amended, the house holds a vote, the bill is placed on the senate calendar, if passed the progresses to the president’s desk for signature or veto, and if signed the bill is published and becomes law.

Omnibus Bills

Packaged bills.