Legislative branch (Unit 6)
Page 1: Introduction to Congress
The Legislative Branch: Congress
Page 2: Origins of Congress
Article I of the US Constitution establishes the Legislative Branch.
Essential Question: Why did the Framers believe Congress was the most important branch of the US Government?
Page 3: Class Discussion on Government Power
Discussion on changes in government power dynamics.
Essential Question: Which of the three branches of government is the most powerful today? (Legislative, Executive, Judicial)
Page 4: Legislative Branch Group
Group distinctions among the Legislative, Executive, and Judicial Branches.
Roles: Chief of Staff, Majority Leader, Communications Director, Strategic Advisor, Researchers.
Page 5: Primary Function of the Legislative Branch
Analyze, debate, and vote on legislation.
Legislation impacts millions of Americans; law-making is the key duty of Congress (House & Senate).
Page 6: Legislative Process
Drafting Bills:
Origin: Members of Congress, the Administration, etc.
Process: Introduction in House or Senate ➡️ committee review ➡️ modifications ➡️ floor activity ➡️ final vote ➡️ presidential approval.
Page 7: Influences on Congress
Constituents
Political Party
Other Members of Congress
The US President
Special Interest Groups (Lobbying)
Media Outlets
Page 8: Legislative Tactics
Discharge Petition
Amendments
Riders
Filibuster/Cloture
Logrolling
Pork Barrel Legislation/Earmarks
Page 9: Statutory vs. Constitutional Laws
Essential Question: Compare the differences between statutory laws and constitutional laws.
Page 10: Nonlegislative Duties
Electoral Powers of the US House & Senate:
US House: Elects the President if the Electoral College fails.
US Senate: Selects the Vice President.
Page 11: Nonlegislative Duties Part II
Impeachment Proceedings (House & Senate roles), Treaty Making Powers (2/3 Senate approval), Judicial Appointments, Investigation/Oversight Powers.
Page 12: Constitutional Duties of Congress
Article 1 Section 8 outlines duties:
Passing Legislation
Coining Money
Tax Powers
Federal Budget
Declare War
Approve Treaties
Approve Judicial Nominations
Maintain US Armed Forces
Page 13: 2020 Congressional District Map
Page 14: Congressional District Map 2010
Election outcomes and party control (Democrats, Republicans, Independents).
Page 15: Congressional District Terms
Apportionment: Distribution of districts based on population.
Reapportionment: Changes after Census data collection.
Gerrymandering: Drawing districts to favor a political party.
Page 16: Example of Gerrymandering
Study: Houston, TX 2nd District example with relevant data.
Page 17: Survey Time
Questions on future residency and ideological/political influence on decisions.
Page 18: Congressional Offices
Importance of separation among Capitol Hill office (Legislation), District Offices (Constituent Services), Campaign Office (Re-election Headquarters).