US Congress Exam 1 (2)

Power of the purse

1. Only congress can appropriate funds (sections 9)

2. Can tax to "provide for the common defense and general welfare" (section 8)

Defense and Foreign Affairs

1. Declare war, ratify treaties, raise and support armies/navy (section 8)

2. MCs cannot be arrested during or when traveling to/from sessions of Congress (section 6)

Limits on Congress: Power to Tax (section 8)

Limitations on exports from one state to another, income tax (section 9)

Limits on Congress (1):

No bills of attainder (guilty without trial) (section 9)

Limits on Congress (2):

No ex post facto laws (make previous actions crimes) (section 9)

Limits on Congress (3):

MCs cannot serve in other federal posts (section 6)

Interbranch relationships (1):

• Many of the president's constitutional powers require the consent of congress

  • President appoints top officals/SC justices, makes treaties, but requires senate's consent

Interbranch relationships (2):

House impeaches with majority vote (section 2), senate convits with 2/3rd vote (section 3)

Interbranch relationships (3):

judicial review - SC can strike down congressional action (marbury v Madison 1803)

The constitution states that tax legislation must originate

in the House

Changes to Congress over time: 16th Amendment

There was orginally no income tax but the amendement allowed it in 1913

Changes to Congress over time: 17th Amendment

state legislators selected senators - now directly elected 1913

Changes to Congress over time: Congress Size

House capped at 435 members

Changes to Congress over time: Instiutionalization

• standing committees, party leadership org., formal rules and procedures

  • The filibuster (to delay or block a vote on a bill) is not in the Constitution. It was created by mistake in 1806!

Changes to Congress over time:Careerism

MCs serve more terms

Changes to Congress over time: Paritsanship

Reed's Rule gave Speaker control over order of business aand curtailed minority party power, parties must remember they will one day be in the minority

Changes to Congress over time: Workload

now abt 10k bills introduced during a congress! Increase mail volume

Changes to Congress over time: Professionalism

staff, cookie cutter office organization

Name 6 things MCs do

1. Congress is in session ~137 days a year (1/3rd of the year)

2. Tuesday-Thursday in DC

3. Friday-Monday in their district

4.  Salaries 45k-60k

5. Sometimes sleep in their office

6. 50 hr work weeks

Maythew: Position Taking

•  MCs have one major goal: win reelection

• Taking public postitions on issues that can help them politcally

Fenno: Home style

•  Win reelection

• Gain power and influence within congress/washington

• Make good public policy

What do MCs do in DC

1. The hill-where they legislate, vote, work on committees, etc.

2. Their home district/state-where they interact with constituents, build support, fundraise, and maintain their political base

   • creates a constant balancing act. If MC spends too much time in Washington, people back home accuse them of ignoring their constituents. But if they spend too much time at home, ppl can accuse them of ignoring their actual congressional job