Oct 28 – Gov – Congress
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Transcript of Oct 28 – Gov – Congress
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