Oct 28 – Gov – Congress

Agenda:• Congress Basics• How a bill becomes a

law• Mock Congress Goals

Homework:• 11:3 (370-381) Read

and take Notes

Take out:• Budget Hero

Materials• Pen/Pencil• Notebook

Introduction to Congress

Objectives

• The major formal and informal institutional arrangements of power.

• Relationships among these four institutions and varying balances of power.

• Linkages between institutions and the following:– Public opinion and voters– Interest groups– Political parties– The media– Subnational governments

Make a chart for yourself on formal and informal arrangements for power!

Overview—The Basics

• Congressional terms—2 years– Begin January 3 of every odd numbered year

• Adjournment—must be agreed upon by both houses– Two regular sessions per term

More Basics

• Bicameral—two house legislature– HOR—Designed to be closer to people;

• Members elected directly by the people• Smaller districts; Elected for 2 year terms—entire

body elected • Revenue bills MUST originate in HOR

– Senate—Designed to be more removed from people• Originally—indirectly elected; 17th Amendment• Elected on at large basis; 6 year terms• 1/3 up for election every 2 years

House of Representatives

theAISLE

House of Representatives

• Size– Determined by Congress—435 since 1911– Members elected by “districts”– Number of reps determined by population

• 1 for every 166,000 persons

– Terms FIXED—2 years; unlike parliamentary systems

• Qualifications—– Age: 25 years old, 7 years a citizen

United States Senate

Senate

• Size—100– Smaller size, more informal, less rules, less

strict procedures• Term of office—

– 6 years, 1/3 up for election every 2—ensures stable body; no term limits

• Qualifications—– Age: 30 years; 9 years a citizen

How a Bill

Becomes a Law!

Adapted from Kids in the House

http://clerkkids.house.gov/laws/

Objectives of Mock Congress:

• Describe the legislative process and how a bill becomes a law. Anticipate obstacles in a bill becoming a law.

• Analyze the roles and relationships of Congressional leaders, committees, and the function of party leadership in policymaking

• Understand the organizational and power differences between the House and the Senate

• Analyze the complexity of what it takes to pass a bill in terms of congressional negotiations, committee role, and the process of amending.

• Participate in basic parliamentary procedure• Develop communication skills through debate and

speech• Write their own bill following proper format• Learn about and discuss contemporary issues