Where does the Executive Branch of government get its power?

Name three important duties of the Executive Branch of Government.

Why do you think some agencies of the Executive Branch need to be independent of politics???

First Five ISNp6L

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PwCLInKhUTo#t=275

Legislative Branch

Article 1 of the Constitution sets up the Legislative Branch granting it the power to make the laws for our nation.

Congress

Often referred to as “The Congress,” it meets in the Capital Building on Capital Hill.

Congress bicameral

(divided into two houses)

Senate House of Representatives

Sessions begin January 3rd of the year after the election and usually end the November before the election. (Lame Duck Sessions)

The SenateUpper House of Congress100 senators total (2 per state)6 year termsMust be

at least 30 years oldU.S. citizen for at least 9

yearsresident of the state they

represent1/3 is up for election every 2 years

The Senate LeadershipPresident of the Senate votes only to break tiesVice President of the United Statesmay not speak or debate

President pro temporehighest ranking senatorserves as president if VP is not thereelected by Senatemember of the Majority Party

Joe Biden

Patrick Leahy

Minority LeaderSaid to be the “real” leader of the

Senate

The Senate Leadership

Majority Leader

Harry Reid (D) Mitch McConnell (R)

Current U.S. Senators 53 Democrats 47 Republicans + 2 Independents100 Total Senators

John Cornyn (R)Finance and Judiciary

Committees

Ted Cruz (R)Serves on 7 different

Committees

The House of RepresentativesLower House of Congress435 Congressman total (# based

on population in state/changed after each census –around every 10 years)

2 year termsMust be

at least 25 years oldU.S. citizen for at least 7

yearsresident of the state they

represent

The House LeadershipSpeaker of the House

of Representativeselected by the House

every new CongressResponsibilities

include:acknowledges

people who want to speak

signs billsappoints

committeescalls a vote

John Boehner (R)

Current U.S. Congressmen

There are currently 31 Congressman from Texas.

California has the most with 53.

7 states have only 1. Congress also has 6

non voting members234 Republicans201 Democrats

Pete Olson (R) 22nd District

Energy & Commerce Committee.

Interesting Fact: Congressman Olson has been the keynote speaker at a BMS

Career Day.

Powers are either expressed (specifically listed) or implied (used to carry out is expressed powers) in the U.S. Constitution.

Congressional Powers

Charge and collect taxesRaise and maintain militaryGrant statehoodControl national landsRegulate interstate tradeNaturalize citizensDeclare warControl making currencyControl the budgetBorrow $$Veto override 2/3 majority of both

houses

Be present for the State of the Union Address

Congressional Joint Powers

Interesting Facts:1. Only 5 declared

wars in the history of the US

2. The military has acted without congressional involvement over 125 times.

3. Authority over the military is a primary responsibility of the executive branch.

Don’t forget…their main job is to make laws!

Press Here

Confirm Presidential appointeesFederal judges (including Supreme

Court)Cabinet membersHead of Federal Agencies

Approve/reject treatiesJury for impeachment trial

Powers reserved for the Senate

John Kerry approved as

our new Secretary of

State.

President Clinton was

impeached for giving false testimony to

Congress among other

things.

Originates money bills (taxes)

Begins impeachment process

Elects President if Electoral College fails to do so

Powers reserved for the House

Making Things Happen (or not)…Actions happen

because…Desire to do the right

thingLogrolling

-you scratch my back/I’ll scratch yours

Party controls both houses

Desire for re-election

Inactions happen because…

Divided congress-filibustering – Sen. Strom Thurmond; 24 hrs; Civil Rights Act of 1957

Lame duck statusPartisan bickeringDesire re-election

-change vote to get votes-avoid looking bad

It was designed this way

Perks that come with the job…Salary of $174,000+ per year (Leadership

roles earn more…SoH = $223,500 per year)Generous retirement and benefits (health

care)Two offices – D.C. and Home DistrictStaff members at both officesFranking privileges – work-related mail is

FREEAssorted perks; no petty misdemeanors

FLOCABLARY