Day 3 – The Design of Congress

June 28, 2013

In the News Senate passes historic immigration bill.

http://www.nbcnews.com/id/3036789/#52338497

Readings

Article I of the U.S. Constitution Federalist No. 51 DOL Chapter 2 (pp.15-28)

Early National Government in America Rise of state governments and assemblies as

early as 1619. Why did Britain grant the colonies so much

discretion in local government? This relationship became more contentious in

the 1760s. In 1765, delegates from 9 colonies meet in New

York City in reaction to the Stamp Act. Concerns over high taxes levied by the British

without the same rights and representation. Declaration of Rights and Grievances, mainly

written by John Dickinson.

Early National Government in America (2) The late-1760s – mid-1770s characterized as period of

increasing tensions between America and Britain. Intolerable Acts

1774 – First Continental Congress convenes in Philadelphia. Delegates from 12 colonies make debate and create

resolutions. 56 delegates, each state gets 1 vote

1775 – Second Continental Congress convenes Petition for “happy and permanent reconciliation”

George III’s response: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5JTxVHQAp8w

Reconvene and debate and eventually sign the Declaration of Independence. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a36F6vwB-t0 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nrvpZxMfKaU

Constitutional Convention Clip from John Adams

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QcWaCsvpikQ

The Federalist Papers (1787-1788) Written and published in three New York

newspapers: the Independent Journal, the New-York Packet, and the Daily Advertiser. Authors: Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and

John Jay under the pseudonym “Publius”. A response to Anti-Federalists An argument to the states deciding on ratification of the

Constitution

Federalist #51 – James Madison

The Call for a Strong Legislature “Although the three branches supposedly are

coequal, the legislature is empowered to define the structure and duties of the other two.” Examples of Congress’ authority over the

Executive Branch? Judicial Branch? Congress’s powers greatly enlarged by the

Civil War amendments (13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments)

Announcements In Class Response Essay #1 on Monday Look over the Legislative Portfolio assignment.

Decide if you want to work alone or with

somebody. Decide which states you would be interested in. I will pass around a sign-up sheet both for

preferred state and meeting times next week.

In Class Response Essay In roughly one handwritten page, answer the following

question. You can use your notes to answer the question.   Both the text (DOL pp.28-40) and Polsby (1968) discuss the

increasing “institutionalization” of Congress. Many argue that institutionalization is bad for the country and is the reason why Congress is ineffective. This has led to a number citizens and groups to advocate imposing term-limits on members of Congress (e.g. establishing a maximum number of terms they can serve). Would you support a constitutional amendment that imposed term-limits on members of the House of Representatives? Why yes or no? Use the course material to support your argument.

 

Source: http://www.ncsl.org/legislatures-elections/legislatures/full-and-part-time-legislatures.aspx