congress 1

Monday march 10th

Congres:

The article I branch

• Congress plays central role

• Bicameral

• Supported by staff and other institutions

• Broad and ambiguous base of power

• Article I established powers

  • Enumerated powers

  • Necessary and proper clause

  • General welfare clause 

Bicameralism

One congress, two houses

• Qualification differences

• Style differences

• Power differences

• Different constituencies

Congressional elections:

• House members elected every 2 years in even numbered years

• Senators originally were chosen by state legislators

  • 17th amendment in 1913 shifted the election of senators to popular election within the states

• Senators serve 6 year terms, staggered to that one third of the snake is elected every 2 years

The electoral connection

• Members of congress can be thought of as single minded seekers of reelection 

• Advertising

  • Build a name and reputation for themselves so they get votes

• Credit claiming

• Position taking 

Incumbent advantage

• Stronger name recognition

• Easier access to media coverage

• Franking-free mailing privilege that current members of congress have

  • 499 mailers

• Comparing contribution

• Casework

• Legislative experience

Member behavior and elections

• Tuesday-thursday club

• Different constituencies 

• All politics is local

  • National vs local 

• Accountability

• Candidate-centered vs party-centered politics

• To whom is a member loyal