AP Government/U.S Politics Unit 2 Notes

Congressional power comes from the necessary and proper clause
- passing a federal budget
- raising revenue
- coining money
- declaring war
- maintaining the armed forces

25 yrs. old, 7 years U.S. Citizen, resident of state
2 year term
Representation is based on population
Equal Representation with the people and not the states
Census helps reapportionment by redistricting which can sometimes be through gerrymandering

30 yrs. old, 9 years U.S. citizen, resident of state
6 year term
1/3 up every 2 years
- Why
- 3 classes of senators
17th amendment is the reason why we can vote for the senate now
Direct election of senators
Equal Representation
- With the states and not the people (one’s vote in Minnesota can count more than someone in California)
More prestigious of a position

Constituents = A citizen who resides in a particular congressional district or state
- House and Citizens target random groups of constituents
H = Responsible for small geographic area/more representative of entire citizenry; more intimate constituent-representative relationship
- Better understanding the issues and ideals for the constituents and citizens
S = Responsible for the whole state/more responsible for citizenry at large and the states; more diverse electorate

Trustee = listen to the people’s opinions and then use their best judgement to make final decisions based on how they feel to respond
Delegate = listen to constituents and make changes and vote the way their constituents want to, regardless of their own opinion
Politico = act as trustees for some issues and delegates for others

The congress became more diverse over time
- 18th century had mostly rich white men
- 21st century was more racially diverse although not perfect