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.