Congress

Congress in the Constitution 1776 “ “

Did the Founders consider Congress to be of great or little importance?

Which Article?

How much attention in the Constitution?

Functions of Congress:RepresentationA. Trustee

Elected based on Voter’s confidence in his values and judgmentVoters expect them to use their judgment

B. DelegateElected but expected to vote just as his constituents would if they were polled

Which do you Prefer?Which did the Founders expect or prefer?

Functions of Congress: Compromise and Consensus-building

Oversight and Investigation Hearings on mismanaged laws Hearings on scandal or law violations

Policy Clarification

Functions of Congress: SENATE Confirming Appointments

Federal Judges Ambassadors Cabinet members and others

Ratifying Treaties with foreign nations Treaties with international organizations

Functions of Congress Lawmaking

From Idea to Law (How a bill becomes a law)

Speaker of

the House Senate

leadership

Amendments must be

Germane

Generally: Closed Rule,

Limited debate/ No amendments

Filibuster Possible

Structure of Congress Committees Rules VS Norms

U.S. House VS U.S. Senate

435 Members 100 Members

2-year term 6-year term

Districts W/ EqualPopulations

Represent whole state

Limited Debate Unlimited Debate:Filibuster possible

Rigid Rules Flexible Norms

Powerful Speaker Weak President (pro tem)

Concentration of power among committee chairs

Egalitarian dispersion of power

No Amendments on floor Amendments from the floor common

No non-germane amendments Non-germane amendments possible

Originates Tax or Spending Bills Ratifies TreatiesConfirms Appointments

Stuff to think about: Who is in Congress? How do Congress Members decide Fragmentation in Congress Coordination in Congress