AP Gov- Legislative Branch

I. Structure and Powers of Congress

1. Bicameral Legislature - Congress consists of two chambers: the House of Representatives and the Senate.

2. House of Representatives - Representation based on state population; 435 members.

3. Senate - Equal representation with 2 senators per state; 100 members.

4. Powers of Congress:

   • Pass laws

   • Declare war

   • Regulate commerce

   • Tax and spend for the general welfare

   • Impeachment powers (House initiates, Senate tries cases)

   • Oversight of the executive branch

II. Lawmaking Process

1. Bill Introduction - Proposed by a member of Congress.

2. Committee Review - Committees research, debate, and amend bills.

3. House Rules Committee - Determines how and when bills are debated.

4. Voting - Bills must pass both chambers in identical form.

5. Presidential Action - The President can sign, veto, or allow a bill to become law without signing.

6. Overriding a Veto - Requires a two-thirds majority in both chambers.

III. Congressional Committees

1. Purpose - Divide workload and allow for specialized oversight.

2. Types:

   • Standing Committees (permanent, focus on specific policy areas)

   • Select Committees (temporary, created for specific investigations)

   • Joint Committees (members from both chambers, oversee specific functions)

   • Conference Committees (resolve differences in House/Senate bills)

IV. Congressional Leadership

1. House of Representatives

   • Speaker of the House (presiding officer, sets agenda)

   • Majority and Minority Leaders (party leaders)

   • Whips (ensure party discipline)

2. Senate

   • Vice President (President of the Senate, casts tie-breaking votes)

   • President Pro Tempore (presides in VP's absence)

   • Majority and Minority Leaders (guide legislation)

   • Whips (count votes and enforce party discipline)

V. Redistricting and Elections

1. Redistricting - Redrawing congressional district boundaries, occurs every ten years after the Census.

2. Gerrymandering - Manipulating district lines to favor one party.

3. Congressional Elections - House members serve two-year terms, Senators serve six-year terms.

VI. Senate Confirmation and Treaties

1. Supreme Court Confirmations

   • The Senate is more likely to confirm nominees when the same party controls the Senate and presidency.

   • Minority senators may filibuster to block a nomination.

2. Treaty Approval - Requires a two-thirds vote in the Senate.

VII. Notable Supreme Court Case

1. Baker v. Carr - Established the principle of "one person, one vote," ensuring fair representation in legislative districts. The Supreme Court can rule on cases of redistricting

2. Shaw v Reno - Racial gerrymandering is unconstitutional, as a violation of the Equal Protection Clause

VIII. Constitutional Clauses

Necessary and Proper Clause - Empowers Congress to make laws essential for carrying out its duties.