V

chapter 11

Chapter 1: Introduction

  • Class Updates

    • Reminder to pay attention to quiz and exam dates

    • One class before spring break; submit any current events on time

    • Introduction to Chapter 11, focusing on Congress

Overview of Congress

  • Role of Congress

    • Main job is to create laws and represent the public

    • Discussion on the legislative process: how bills become laws

    • Importance of understanding how Congress operates for supporting the executive branch

  • Key Legislative Processes

    • Filibusters: Used to delay or block legislative action

    • Chubbing: A tactic used by House members to delay bills

Importance of Elections

  • Elections and Representation

    • No branch of government is superior to others, but Congress has significant power, especially in presidential elections

    • Midterm elections matter; they influence presidential outcomes through electing representatives who will vote for the president

    • The voters shape representation based on ideological beliefs—Democrats or Republicans

Legislative Branch Dynamics

  • Purpose of Congress

    • Initially designed to represent the people's needs, rather than a career path

    • The Great Compromise facilitated representation between federalists and antifederalists

    • Current trend shows Congress members often become career politicians

  • Influence of Majority and Minority

    • Majority rules, and representation often favors those who vote

    • Incumbents are influenced by the number of supporters who actually show up to vote

Concept of Incumbency

  • Incumbency Advantage

    • Defined as the current officeholder running for reelection

    • Reason why incumbents typically have a higher chance of winning

    • Over 92% of House incumbents are reelected

Reelection Discussions

  • Reelection Numbers

    • House members face reelection every two years with no limits

    • Questions raised about potential term limits for Congress members

Characteristics of Congressional Members

  • Age and Experience

    • Age limits (25 for House, 30 for Senate) are present, yet discussions about suitability continue

    • Calls for age limits due to perceived decline in effectiveness with age begin to emerge

  • High Reelection Rates

    • For example, only 8% of House members face defeat due to various reasons, with a common goal of moving to the Senate

Congressional Structure

  • Bicameral System

    • The legislative branch is divided into two parts: House of Representatives and Senate

    • Each state receives two senators regardless of population, distributed house representatives according to state population

Distinctions and Responsibilities

  • Revenue Bills

    • All revenue bills start in the House before moving to the Senate for approval

  • Power of Consent in the Senate

    • The Senate possesses the ability to approve or reject executive orders and treaties

    • Also involved in impeachment processes and decisions, reinforcing checks and balances

Conclusion of Key Points

  • Significance of Voting

    • Emphasis on voter participation in midterms and their long-term governmental impacts

    • Citizens must stay informed and engaged to have their voices represented in government

Chapter 2: People Of Texas

  • US House and Senate Composition

    • 100 Senators (2 from each state) and 435 House Representatives

    • Importance of a bicameral system as a long-standing principle to ensure checks and balances

  • Significance of Population

    • Population shifts affect the number of House votes a state can wield

    • Texas increased in representation with population growth during recent census

Age Requirements for Office

  • Minimum Age: 25 for House members, 30 for Senators

  • The growing discussion around whether age limits should be implemented and their impacts

Congressional Functionality

  • Differences in Operations

    • Strong leadership in the House (Speaker of the House) vs. weaker, more decentralized leadership in the Senate

    • House members are generalists and specialized members, focusing on specific issues

Midterm Elections

  • Importance of Midterms

    • Congressional elections occur every two years with lower voter turnout compared to presidential elections

    • Increased voting participation can ensure representation aligns with citizen priorities

Sociological Representation

  • Sociological vs. Agency Representation

    • Sociological: desire for elected officials to look like and relate to their constituents

    • Agency: accountability of representatives, who can be hired or fired based on performance

Diversity in Congress

  • Increasing Representation

    • Notable increase of women and minorities in legislative positions, challenging past barriers and gender roles

Conclusion

  • Understanding the Importance

    • Raising awareness about who represents us and the mechanisms of our democracy are essential for effective citizenship

    • Encouragement to stay engaged in the democratic process.