American Government
Unit 3
The Legislative Branch
Suppose you were an idiot, and suppose you were a
member of Congress; but I repeat myself.
Mark Twain
REVISED * REVISED * REVISED * REVISED
Unit 3 The Legislative Branch
Unit Objectives:
Elaborated Unit Focus: The unit focuses on the legislative branch of government. Emphasis is placed on the powers and
organization of the legislative branch and the role of lobbyists and special interest groups in the legislative process.
SSCG9 The student will explain the differences between the House of Representatives and the Senate, with emphasis on
terms of office, powers, organization, leadership, and representation in each house.
SSCG10 The student will describe the legislative process including the roles played by committees and leadership.
a. Explain the steps in the legislative process.
b. Explain the function of various leadership positions within the legislature.
SSCG11 The student will describe the influence of lobbyists (business, labor, professional organizations) and special interest
groups in the legislative process.
a. Explain the function of lobbyists.
b. Describe the laws and rules that govern lobbyists.
c. Explain the function of special interest groups.
Reading Responsibilities:
United States Government: Democracy in Action
Chapters: 5 (all); 6 (all); 7 (all)
Monday 9/14
Ken Burns
Congress Video
Tuesday 9/15
Ken Burns
Congress Video
Monday 9/21
Vocab Quiz Ch 5
Legislative Bio
Activity.
Tuesday 9/22
Chapter 6 Vocab
Chapter 6 notes
Powers of congress
HW:Current Event
Monday 9/28
Mr. Smith Goes
to Washington
Tuesday 9/29
Mr. Smith Goes
to Washington
Thursday 9/10
Constitution Test
Friday 9/11
Kaleidoscope
Wednesday 9/16
Roots of Congress
Read Chapter 5.1
and 5.2 in class do
Chapter 5 Vocab
HW: finish reading
Chap 5
Wednesday 9/23
Finish Chap 6 nts
School House
Rock
Vocab Quiz Ch 6
Introduce Project
HW: Chap 7 vocab
Wednesday 9/30
Thursday 9/17
Early Release Day
Chapter 5 Guided
Notes
Friday 9/18
Complete
Representation in
congress sheet,
Leadership in
Congress sheet. Go
over sheets.
Friday 9/25
Review day
Complete Study
guide and
Congress review
chart, Rev. Game
Test Unit 2
Begin Unit
Thursday 9/24
Chapter 7 Notes
How a Bill
Becomes A Law
Flow Chart
Work on Project
HW: Committees
Thursday 10/1
Lobbyist and
Interest Group
activity. Start
Mr. Smith Goes
to Washington
Friday 10/2
Present Videos
or Skits
Begin Executive
Branch
Name: _____________________________ Period: ______
Note book Grade: ______
Political Science
Unit 3 The Legislative Branch
Chapter 5 Vocabulary
5.1
Bicameral
Legislature
Session
Census
Re-apportionment
Redistrict
Gerrymander
At-large
Franking
Censure
Incumbent
5.2
Constituents
Caucus
Majority Leader
Whips
Bill
Calendars
Rules Committee
Calendars
Quorum
5.3
President Pro Tem
Filibuster
Cloture
Dixon, M.E.
Political Science
Unit 3 The Legislative Branch
Chapter 6 Vocabulary
6.1
Expressed Powers
Necessary and Proper
Clause
Implied Powers
Revenue Bill
Appropriations Bill
Interstate Commerce
Impeachment
6.2
Subpoena
Perjury
Contempt
Immunity
Legislative Veto
Dixon, M.E.
Political Science
Unit 3 The Legislative Branch
Chapter 7 Vocabulary
7.1
Private Bill
Public Bill
Simple Resolution
Rider
Hearing
Veto
Pocket Veto
7.2
Tax
Closed Rule
Appropriations
Authorization Bill
Entitlement
7.3
Lobbyist
Lobbing
7.4
Casework
Pork-Barrel Legislation
Logrolling
Dixon, M.E.
The legislative branch has two types of
What are the qualifications of the members of
powers: expressed and implied. In YOUR
the Senate and House? Who is the main
OWN WORDS describe what this means…. person in charge of each?
Describe what this branch of government
deals with or does in your own words.
Illustration representing the legislative branch
What part of the constitution covers this branch of
government? Which part lists out its powers?
Legislative
Branch
List similarities between the House and
Senate.
Work is done a lot in committees. What is the
purpose of committees?
List some of the differences
between the House and
Senate.
House:
Senate:
If you have completed your chart, come up with 10 multiple choice questions and answers
based on your notes that you feel would make good test questions.
Political Science
Unit 3 The Legislative Branch
Chapter 5.4 Committees
Fill in the chart below as you read Chapter 5 Section 4
Committee Type
Purpose of the Committee
Standing Committee
Dixon, M.E.
Examples of Each Type
Sub-Committee
Select Committee
Joint Committee
Conference
Committee
Define or identify the following on the back of this page: Committee Assignments, Committee Chairperson and Roles and the Seniority System
Current committees
In the House of Representatives, there are 21 permanent committees, and 20 in the United States Senate. Four
joint committees operate with members from both houses on matters of mutural jurisdication and oversight.
Committees in the House of Representatives generally have more members, due its larger size, as compared to
the smaller 100-member Senate. Senate rules fix the maximum size for many of its committees, while the
House determines the size and makeup of each committee every new Congress.
The roster of each committee is officially approved by a full vote of its house. However those decisions
(including who will serve as chair of each committee) are made de facto by the party leadership. Considerations
in making the assignments include each member's areas of expertise, the interests of their constituents, and
seniority. Political favors also often come into play in committee assignments.
House of Representatives
Agriculture
Appropriations
Armed Services
Budget
Education and Labor
Energy and Commerce
Financial Services
Foreign Affairs
Homeland Security
House Administration
Intelligence (Permanent
Select)
Judiciary
Natural Resources
Oversight and Government
Reform
Rules
Science and Technology
Small Business
Standards of Official
Conduct
Transportation and
Infrastructure
Veterans' Affairs
Ways and Means
Senate
Aging (Special)
Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry
Appropriations
Armed Services
Banking, Housing, and Urban
Affairs
Budget
Commerce, Science and
Transportation
Energy and Natural Resources
Ethics (Select)
Environment and Public Works
Finance
Foreign Relations
Health, Education, Labor, and
Pensions
Homeland Security and
Governmental Affairs
Indian Affairs
Intelligence (Select)
Judiciary
Rules and Administration
Small Business and
Entrepreneurship
Veterans' Affairs
(click here for complete list with
subcommittees)
Joint
(Conference)
Economic
Library (established
1806)
Printing
Taxation
Congress Notes 1 Guided Notes
1. What type of democracy does America function under?
2. When and where did the bicameral legislature originate?
3. How long does a congressional term last?
4. What must happen for the senate or the house to convene a session?
5. Who is the only person that can call a special session of congress?
6. List three requirements for a house representative?
7. How many seats in the house is each state guaranteed?
8. What event leads to the reapportionment of house
seats?
9. Who is responsible for drawing up congressional districts, and what issue has
plagued this process?
10. Who originally selected senators?
11. How long is a Senators term? Why does it differ from House Reps?
12. Who originally chose senators?
13. Name three requirements for senators?
14. What are some common background traits of the members of congress?
15. Name the five primary roles of members of congress?
16. What is congressional oversight?
17. Name the four primary voting options for congressman.
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
Congress Notes 1
As citizens of the United States we live in what is known as a representative
democracy.
Congress serves as a representation of the will of the people.
Congress does this by transforming the will and the needs of the American public
into law and policy.
Bicameralism
Congress is split up into houses known as the House of Representatives and the
Senate
A bicameral legislature has been in practice since the 1300’s in Britain
The Senate consists of two representatives from each state while the number of
representatives in the House is determined by a state’s population
Terms & Sessions
Each term in congress lasts for two years
Each term consists of two sessions, one in each year
Neither of the two houses may adjourn for the year without the consent of the
other
If congress is out of session, the President can convene a special session if need
be to deal with an unexpected or pressing issue
The House of Representatives
A House Rep. must be 25 yrs old, a citizen for at least 10 years, and live in the
state which they represent.
The House is made up of 435 members who were apportioned based on the
populations of the states
The house has power over its members and members elect in regards to
qualifications and actions of its own members
It has the power to punish and even expel its own members for disorderly
behavior
Each state is guaranteed at least one seat in the House
House member terms are two years long and there is no limit on the number of
terms a representative can serve
The reapportionment act of 1929 set the permanent size of the house at 435, and
stated that the seats would be reapportioned every ten years after the census
The house is made up of representatives from single member districts within a
state
State legislatures are responsible for drawing up congressional districts that are
contiguous, populated equally, and compact
In many cases state congressional districts fell victim to Gerrymandering
The Senate
The Senate is made up of 100 members, two from each state
Originally Senators were chosen by the state legislature, however after the 17 th
amendment now gives the power to choose Senators to the general population
A Senator serves a six year term with no limit on number of terms served
The Senate is a continuous body
Senators are traditionally less affected by the pressures of their local constituents
Often more concerned with national interests
Senators are considered to be of a higher status inside Washington and their
respective political parties
Senators must be at least 30 yrs old, a citizen for a minimum of nine years, and
reside in the state which they represent
Like the house, the senate has power over its members behavior
Members of Congress
Congress is not an accurate representation of the American public
However in recent years both houses have become slightly more diverse
Most members are married, ¾ are from Judeo Christian backgrounds
They often come from careers in politics, business, and law
Duties of Congress
Members of Congress serve multiple roles and functions
They are legislators, committee members, representatives of their constituents,
servants of their constituents, and politicians
As committee members they serve in the processes of creating and proposing
legislation and they exercise oversight function
Oversight function is the process of checking on various agencies in the executive
branch to make sure they properly operating
The primary responsibility of a congressman is to vote on laws
Voting options: Trustee, Delegate, Partisan, Politico
Congressman are also generously paid and enjoy a large variety of fringe benefits
American Government
Unit 3 Legislative Branch
Leadership in Congress
Name: ________________________ Period:____
Use your book to fill out the following chart.
Dixon
The House of Representatives
Position
Speaker of the House
Roles
Historical Figure and Significance
Majority Leader and
Minority Leaders
Majority Whip/Minority
Whip
The Senate
Position
President of the
Senate/VP
President Pro Tempore
Majority Leader and
Minority Leaders
Roles
Historical Figure and Significance
American Government
How a Bill Becomes a Law
Group Project
With the School House Rock Video in mind your group will make it’s
own version of an informative video on how a bill becomes a law. DO
NOT RE-MAKE the I’m Just a Bill video, instead come up with an
original idea. All members of you r group must have a part or make an
appearance in the video. Groups will need to include a written script of
their video as well as a copy on DVD or VHS. I understand that not all
of you are in Video production so you may act out your skit in class.
Skits or videos may not be longer than5 minutes.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Group Members:
______________________
______________________
______________________
______________________
______________________
Grading Rubric
4
All group
members
present in the
video/skit
Complete typed
script of
video/skit
Story Board
with each scene
shown.
2
1
Everyone had an
active part in the
presentation.
4-3 members
present
3-2 members
present
Only 1-2
members present.
Script is
complete with all
lines clean and
all dialogue
clear.
Each scene is
sketched out and
clear and colored
Script is missing
some parts and
lines but is
relatively clear.
Script not clean
and or not typed.
No script present
Scenes are
shown and clear
but missing color
and specifics.
Video/skit is
under 3 minutes.
Scenes missing
and or no use of
color.
No Story board
present.
Video/skit is
under 2 minutes.
Video/skit is
under 1 minute.
Story is clear and
shows the bill
process and but
lacks an
interesting
hook/theme.
Story is unclear
but
understandable,
may or may not
lack a hook or
clear theme.
Story is not
understandable
and is
uninteresting.
Video/skit is
3minutes or
longer
Video/skit Story Story is very
clear and shows
the bill process
and has an
interesting hook
or theme to the
story.
Video/skit
Length
3
Story Board
Script Brain Storming
GERRYMANDERING
What is gerrymandering?
Gerrymandering is a term that describes the deliberate
rearrangement of the boundaries of congressional
districts to influence the outcome of elections.
Where did gerrymandering come from?
The original gerrymander was created in 1812 by
Massachusetts governor Elbridge Gerry, who crafted a
district for political purposes that looked like a
salamander.
What is the purpose of
gerrymandering?
The purpose of gerrymandering is to either concentrate
opposition votes into a few districts to gain more seats
for the majority in surrounding districts (called packing),
or to diffuse minority strength across many districts
(called dilution).
How has Congress regulated
redistricting?
In 1967, Congress passed a law requiring all U.S.
representatives to be elected from single member
districts system we use today. Congress in 1982
amended the Voting Rights Act to protect the voting
rights of protected racial minorities in redistricting.
Within those laws, states have great leeway to draw
districts, which often leads to gerrymandering.
Congress Notes 2
Power of Congress
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The Constitution places certain limits on the power of Congress
Congress derives power from the constitution in three different ways: ________,
implied powers, _______ powers
There are two different schools of thought in regards to the powers given to
congress by the constitution
Strict Constructionists: led by ____________, they believed that Congress should
be limited to its expressed powers and the implied powers that are absolutely
necessary
Liberal Constructionists: led by Alexander Hamilton, they believed that the
constitution gave congress a ____________ of national power
A more liberal view of congress’s power is what has led to the power that they
enjoy today
Events such as wars, ____________ and national emergencies have validated
congress’s view of their expansive power
Expressed Powers
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Much of Congress’s expressed power can be seen in how they use their power and
how the courts rule on the constitutionality of their actions
This process is still taking place today
One of Congress’s primary functions is the power to _____
Taxation is levied for a variety of different reasons that include: to raise money for
the public good, _________________, and for public safety reasons
The power to tax does have its limits
Different types of taxation: _____ tax, _______ tax.
Congress also has the power to borrow money on behalf of the country
Commerce Power is Congress’s power to regulate interstate and foreign _____
Congress also has the ability to coin and assign value to money
Along with the power to make and assign value to money, congress also makes
laws that deal with __________
When the government determines that a person is not able to pay their debts,
bankruptcy proceedings occur and the persons assets are distributed to those who
the debt is owed
Congress has power over _____________ in regards to war and the power to
regulate foreign trade
Some of congresses other powers consist of the following: ___________, the
postal power, copyrights and patents, weights and measures, power of eminent
domain, and _____________
The Implied Powers
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The _____________________ Clause gives Congress the power to enforce the
powers given to them by the constitution
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This power has been a point of controversy since its inception
Some feel that the clause is interpreted in to liberal of a fashion and that congress
has abused the power that it gives them
No matter what the issue the foundation for using the necessary and proper clause
must be found in the _________________________
Non-legislative Powers
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Congress also is charged with responsibilities and powers that do not have to do
with making laws
Congress plays a key role in __________ the constitution
Congress can propose an amendment to the constitution with a ____ vote in both
houses
The House and The Senate can be called upon to elect the
______________________ if neither of the possible candidates receive a majority
of the votes
Impeachment: _____ votes for impeachment, ______ sits as court for hearing
Congress has executive approval on appointments and _________
Lastly, Congress has the investigatory power to oversee the operations and
activities of agencies and individuals inside the government
Congress Notes 2
Power of Congress
 The Constitution places certain limits on the power of Congress
 Congress derives power from the constitution in three different ways:
expressed powers, implied powers, inherent powers
 There are two different schools of thought in regards to the powers
given to congress by the constitution
 Strict Constructionists: led by Thomas Jefferson, they believed that
Congress should be limited to its expressed powers and the implied
powers that are absolutely necessary
 Liberal Constructionists: led by Alexander Hamilton, they believed that
the constitution gave congress a broader scope of national power
 A more liberal view of congress’s power is what has led to the power
that they enjoy today
 Events such as wars, economic crisis and national emergencies have
validated congress’s view of their expansive power
Expressed Powers
 Much of Congress’s expressed power can be seen in how they use their
power and how the courts rule on the constitutionality of their actions
 This process is still taking place today
 One of Congress’s primary functions is the power to tax
 Taxation is levied for a variety of different reasons that include: to
raise money for the public good, protect domestic industry, and for
public safety reasons
 The power to tax does have its limits
 Different types of taxation: direct tax, indirect tax.
 Congress also has the power to borrow money on behalf of the country
 Commerce Power is Congress’s power to regulate interstate and
foreign trade
 Congress also has the ability to coin and assign value to money
 Along with the power to make and assign value to money, congress
also makes laws that deal with bankruptcy
 When the government determines that a person is not able to pay
their debts, bankruptcy proceedings occur and the persons assets are
distributed to those who the debt is owed
 Congress has power over foreign relations in regards to war and the
power to regulate foreign trade
 Some of congresses other powers consist of the following:
naturalization, the postal power, copyrights and patents, weights and
measures, power of eminent domain, and judicial powers
The Implied Powers
 The Necessary and Proper Clause gives Congress the power to enforce
the powers given to them by the constitution
 This power has been a point of controversy since its inception
 Some feel that the clause is interpreted in to liberal of a fashion and
that congress has abused the power that it gives them
 No matter what the issue the foundation for using the necessary and
proper clause must be found in the expressed powers of congress
Non-legislative Powers
 Congress also is charged with responsibilities and powers that do not
have to do with making laws
 Congress plays a key role in amending the constitution
 Congress can propose an amendment to the constitution with a 2/3
vote in both houses
 The House and The Senate can be called upon to elect the President
and Vice President if neither of the possible candidates receive a
majority of the votes
 Impeachment: House votes for impeachment, Senate sits as court for
hearing
 Congress has executive approval on appointments and treaties
 Lastly Congress has an investigatory power to oversee the operations
and activities of agencies and individuals within the government
Congress Notes 3
Congress in Action
Congressional Organization
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Congress convenes on ____________ of every odd numbered year
There are a variety of important events that occur on opening day in the Senate
and the House such as election of __________ and the administration of
______________
The presiding officer of the house is known as The ________________
__________
He is the most powerful man in the _________________________
He is the elected presiding officer of the House and the acknowledged leader of the
____________ party
His primary duties are to preside and keep order during ___________
He may not debate issues and preside over the house at the same time
He follows the _________________nt in the line of succession to the
_____________________
The Vice president is the leader of the ___________, however he does not take as
active a role in the day to day operations of Congress as the Speaker of the house
Underneath the presiding officers in congress are the party ________ leaders and
the ___________
These positions are meant to serve as tools for the political parties to operate
within the activities of congressional session
The party ___________ is the meeting between members of one of the two
political parties to discuss party organization
One of the most important jobs of the majority caucus is choose
____________________
Seniority Rule: That the senior members of the party will take the
__________________ that are available
Many critics believe that this system ignores talent and ability and does not result
in the best possible person actually filling the post
Congressional Committees
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A ____________________ is a permanent committee that focuses its efforts on
legislation in a specific area
ex: Agriculture, Budget, National Security
The ______________________ is the committee that screens bills before they
reach the floor, they can speed, delay, or even prevent a bill from reaching the
floor
_____________________ are set up for a limited amount of time to deal with a
specific issue, often times they are used to investigate a current issue that
congress needs information on
___________________are made up of members of both houses in order to not
have committees in the house and the senate that duplicate each others work

A ____________________ is set up to make sure that a bill being voted on is
uniform and agreeable to both houses of congress
How a Bill Becomes a Law: The House
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Most bills begin as a need or _________ outside the legislative branch
Bills, both public and private are presented to the House or Senate for
______________________________
__________________are similar to bills, however they deal with unusual or
temporary matters
____________________ are put forth by both houses but are not signed off on by
the President, hence forth not giving them the strength of a law
Resolutions are brought up in one house or the other and often deal with matters
__________ to the operation of the House or the Senate
Many bills contain _________, which are provisions that are not likely to pass on
their own, so they are attached to something more important with the hopes that
it will be pushed through
Congressional committees are often so bogged down with bills that they are split
into ____________________ to examine bills dealing with specific issues
There are a number of procedures and rules that the House deals with in the
presentation, debate, and passing of a bill
Bills in the Senate
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Bills are introduced by Senators who are ________________ for that purpose
Senatorial debate over legislation is often ______________ and can on for long
periods of time
Some senators try to __________, or talk a bill to death in an attempt to stall to
the point where the bill is dropped
There is the rule of ______ which attempts to stop filibustering and limit debate,
however it is so difficult to invoke that it is largely ignored
The last step in making a bill into law is the approval of the _________
When a bill reaches his desk he has 4 options
1. He can _____________________________
2. He may __________ and it goes back to the Congress or dies
3. He may allow the bill to become law by not signing it within __ days
4. He may use a ___________, if Congress adjourns within ten days of presenting
the bill and he does not sign it then it will die
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Veto literally translated means “__________________”.
Chapter 12
Congress in Action
Congressional Organization
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Congress convenes on January 3rd of every odd numbered year
There are a variety of important events that occur on opening day in the Senate
and the House such as election of officers and the administration of oaths of office
The presiding officer of the house is known as The Speaker of the House
He is the most powerful man in the House of Representatives
He is the elected presiding officer of the House and the acknowledged leader of the
majority party
His primary duties are to preside and keep order during session
He may not debate issues and preside over the house at the same time
He follows the Vice President in the line of succession to the Presidency
The Vice president is the leader of the Senate, however he does not take as active
a role in the day to day operations of Congress as the Speaker of the house
Underneath the presiding officers in congress are the party floor leaders and the
whips
These positions are meant to serve as tools for the political parties to operate
within the activities of congressional session
The party caucus is the meeting between members of one of the two political
parties to discuss party organization
One of the most important jobs of the majority caucus is choose committee
chairman
Seniority Rule: That the senior members of the party will take the ranking posts
that are available
Many critics believe that this system ignores talent and ability and does not result
in the best possible person actually filling the post
Congressional Committees
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A standing committee is a permanent committee that focuses its efforts on
legislation in a specific area
ex: Agriculture, Budget, National Security
The House Committee on Rules is the committee that screens bills before they
reach the floor, they can speed, delay, or even prevent a bill from reaching the
floor
Select committees are set up for a limited amount of time to deal with a specific
issue, often times they are used to investigate a current issue that congress needs
information on
Joint committees are made up of members of both houses in order to not have
committees in the house and the senate that duplicate each others work
A conference committee is set up to make sure that a bill being voted on is
uniform and agreeable to both houses of congress
How a Bill Becomes a Law: The House
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Most bills begin as a need or request outside the legislative branch
Bills, both public and private are presented to the House or Senate for enactment
into law
Joint resolutions are similar to bills, however they deal with unusual or temporary
matters
Concurrent resolutions are put forth by both houses but are not signed off on by
the President, hence forth not giving them the strength of a law
Resolutions are brought up in one house or the other and often deal with matters
exclusive to the operation of the House or the Senate
Many bills contain Riders, which are provisions that are not likely to pass on their
own, so they are attached to something more important with the hopes that it will
be pushed through
Congressional committees are often so bogged down with bills that they are split
into subcommittees to examine bills dealing with specific issues
There are a number of procedures and rules that the House deals with in the
presentation, debate, and passing of a bill
Bills in the Senate
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Bills are introduced by Senators who are formally recognized for that purpose
Senatorial debate over legislation is often unrestrained and can on for long periods
of time
Some senators try to filibuster, or talk a bill to death in an attempt to stall to the
point where the bill is dropped
There is the rule of Cloture which attempts to stop filibustering and limit debate,
however it is so difficult to invoke that it is largely ignored
The last step in making a bill into law is the approval of the President
When a bill reaches his desk he has 4 options
5. He can sign it and it becomes law
6. He may veto it and it goes back to the Congress or dies
7. He may allow the bill to become law by not signing it within 10 days
8. He may use a pocket veto, if Congress adjourns within ten days of presenting
the bill and he does not sign it then it will die
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Veto literally translated means “ I Forbid”.
American Government
Dixon
Unit 3 Legislative Branch
Name:___________________
Period: __________
Bicameral Legislature/Congress:
Congress is a Bicameral legislature, what does that mean?
Senate
House
Total Membership
Term of office
Vacancy(opening
non election)
Qualifications for
the position
Constituency
(who elected
them to office)
Presiding Officer
Powers each
house exercises
exclusively
Number of
members from
each state
Why is membership in the Senate different that membership in the House?
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
Name:___________________ Date: ________________Period: _______
Bicameral Legislature/Congress
- Congress is a bicameral legislature: what does that mean?
__________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
Total
Membership
Term of office
Vacancy
Qualifications
Senate
100
House
435
6 years
Named by Governor
30 years old
Resident for 9 years
State Resident
2 years
Special Election
25 years old
Resident for 7 years
State Resident
Constituency
State Residents
District Residents
Presiding
Officer
President of the Senate
(the Vice President)
President Pro Tempore
Speaker of the House
Powers each
house exercises
exclusively
Number of
members from
each state
Tries cases of Impeachment
Elects VP if electoral
college can’t
Advise and Consent Power
2
Brings Impeachment
Charges (impeach: to
accuse)
Elects President if
E.C. can’t
All money bills start
here
Depends on Population,
but at least 1 per state.
Why is membership in the Senate different than membership in the House?
__________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
American Government
Legislative Bio Mini-Project
Dixon
Your assignment is to choose a senator or representative, Not From Georgia, and create a one-page bio. Your Bio needs to be typed.
Information needs to be in paragraph or bulleted format. Use complete sentences and proof read your paper for errors. Use this check
list to take notes and gather your information.
Your bio should include all of the following:
Item
Name of the Congress
Person
States or district they
serve
Age
Family Information
(Spouse and Children
other relatives of note)
Education (College or
University and degrees
earned)
Professional/Business
history
Party affiliation
(Republican, Democrat
or other)
Any party offices
held(speaker, whip,
etc)
Political background,
years of service
Committees
What are their major
issues/priorities they
are concerned with?
Address at the Capital
Phone and e-mail in
Washington
How can they be
reached in their home
state
Information
American Government
Unit 3 Legislative Branch
Dixon
Write Your Own Law
Directions: For this assignment you will be writing your local Congressman in order to propose a
law that you believe will be beneficial to society. Your law must be realistic and have a logical
purpose. Use the spaces below to format the law you want passed and the reasoning behind it.
Title of bill:
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
Intent of bill:
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
Sections/Specifics of bill:
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
Questions:
Does your bill follow in the spirit of the constitution? Why?
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
Is it fair to all of society?
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
Does it benefit most of society?
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
Is it needed in today’s world?
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
Is your bill clear in its purpose?
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
Is it enforceable?
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
“Whenever a man has cast a longing eye on offices, a rottenness begins in his conduct.”
Thomas Jefferson
From wife-beaters to drunk drivers, Congress is a crime wave, study says
WASHINGTON, DC -- A new investigation reveals an astonishingly large number of wife-beaters, drunks,
shoplifters, check-bouncers, business failures, and drug abusers in the U.S. House and Senate -- which ought to
make Americans think carefully before turning to Washington, DC for moral leadership, the Libertarian Party
said today.
"Mark Twain once said Congress may be America's only 'distinct criminal class' -- and this new study
suggests he was correct," said Steve Dasbach, the party's national director. "If even half these charges are true,
expecting Congress to serve as a moral role model is like asking Bill Clinton to serve as a poster boy for
monogamy."
According to an investigation by Capitol Hill Blue, an online publication that covers federal politics, a
remarkable number of U.S. Representatives and U.S. Senators may have spent as much time in a jail cell as on
Capitol Hill.
After researching public records, newspaper articles, civil court transcripts, and criminal records, Capitol Hill
Blue discovered that:
29 members of Congress have been accused of spousal abuse.
7 have been arrested for fraud.
19 have been accused of writing bad checks.
117 have bankrupted at least two businesses.
3 have been arrested for assault.
71 have credit reports so bad they can't qualify for a credit card.
14 have been arrested on drug-related charges.
8 have been arrested for shoplifting.
21 are current defendants in lawsuits.
And in 1998 alone, 84 were stopped for drunk driving, but released after they claimed Congressional
immunity.
Capitol Hill Blue did not list the names of all the individual members of Congress accused of the various
crimes, but did note that some were "serial offenders" with extensive tracks records of fraud or violence.
For example, reported Capitol Hill Blue, Rep. Corrine Brown (D-FL) has a "long, consistent record of
deceit," including tens of thousands of dollars in unpaid bills, allegations of bribery, and numerous lawsuits
against her. And Rep. Jim Moran (D-VA) faces charges that he beat his wife, has a history of barroom brawls
while mayor of Alexandria, and has publicly stated that he likes "to hit people."
"With a rap sheet like that, you have to wonder why Americans expect Congress to solve the problem of
crime -- since Congress seems to be causing so much crime," said Dasbach. "In fact, if this study is correct, the
best way to cut crime may be to lock up Congress and throw away the key."
And given the obvious economic incompetence of so many Senators and Representatives, you have to
wonder why voters trust them with the federal budget, he said.
"Here are politicians who routinely bankrupt businesses, write bad checks, engage in fraudulent
practices, and have bad credit," said Dasbach. "That could explain why the country is more than $5 trillion in
debt, why federal programs are so wasteful, and why taxes are always going up. Are these really the kind of
economically illiterate people we want to trust with our money?"
If nothing else, said Dasbach, the Capitol Hill Blue investigation may help puncture the myth that Senators and
Representatives are somehow superior to ordinary Americans, or better equipped to solve the nation's problems.
"By its very nature, politics tends to attract venal people who crave power, who want to control the lives
of other people, and who think they are above the law," he noted. "This study makes that point clear -- and
illustrates that when it comes to politicians, the only thing worse than their voting records are their criminal
records."
American Government
Unit 3 The Legislative Branch
Dixon
Video Guide Ken Burns The Congress
1. What is “the engine of democracy”
2. What is the first branch of government that reminds the people that they are to do their own business?
3. Was the Capital build partly by slaves?
4. Approximately how many people have served in Congress?
5. How many Congressmen have become President?
6. On March 4 1789 how many representatives showed up for the first day of Congress?
7. When does Congress declare war for the first time?
8. When was the Capital Building burned down?
9. What are two issues Congress has always had to deal with?
10. Who engineered the Missouri Compromise?
11. Who were the 3 best speakers during the slavery debates in Congress?
12. Who was beaten with a cane on the floor of Congress?
13. Who was the first African-American Congressman and whom did he replace?
14. Who were the two classes created by the RXR bosses and Congress?
15. Who resigns as Speaker of the House over Imperialism?
16. On April 2. 191, What does Congress decide to do?
17. On December 7, 1941, what does congress decide to do?
18. Who was the only member of Congress to vote against declaring war on the Japanese Empire?
19. Name 2 Congressional hearings in the 1950’s.
20. Who went to Congress with the most sweeping civil rights bill since reconstruction?
21. What was the Judiciary Committee’s vote to convict Nixon
22. What is the primary check on government according to Madison?
American Government
Unit 3 The Legislative Branch
Video Quiz Ken Burn’s Congress
Dixon, M.E.
American Government
Unit 3 The Legislative Branch
Video Quiz Ken Burn’s Congress
Dixon, M.E.
Name: _____________________________ Period: _____
Name: _____________________________ Period: _____
Answer the Following:
Answer the Following:
1. Was the Capital build partly by slaves?
1. Was the Capital build partly by slaves?
2. Approximately how many people have served in Congress?
2. Approximately how many people have served in Congress?
3. When does Congress declare war for the first time?
3. When does Congress declare war for the first time?
4. Who engineered the Missouri Compromise?
4. Who engineered the Missouri Compromise?
5. Who was the first African-American Congressman?
5. Who was the first African-American Congressman?
6. Who did he replace?
6. Who did he replace?
7. Who was beaten with a cane on the floor of Congress?
7. Who was beaten with a cane on the floor of Congress?
8. On December 7, 1941, what does congress decide to do?
8. On December 7, 1941, what does congress decide to do?
'Mr. Smith Goes to Washington'
By Matt Slovick
WashingtonPost.com Staff
This film has been around for almost 60 years and remains the top Washington-related movie. Jimmy Stewart
plays Jefferson Smith, the "average Joe" who thinks he can make a difference but runs into men with power and
crooked politicians. However, in the typical style of director Frank Capra, the good guy wins.
Incidents like Watergate and Iran-Contra have made today's Americans more cynical about government and
politicians. But this film caused quite a stir in this town in 1939. The Washington Press Club sponsored a
premiere at Constitution Hall that was attended by congressmen, Senators and Supreme Court justices. About
halfway through the film, people started walking out. At another dinner, Capra was criticized for showing graft
in the Senate. The Washington press corps, who didn't like the way reporters were portrayed, joined in the
attacks against Capra.
But average Americans filled the theaters to see the film that helped make Stewart a star. The movie earned 11
Oscar nominations, including Best Picture (it lost to "Gone With the Wind").
Washington Sites: You name it, Mr. Smith saw it. The new senator arrives at Union Station, goes on a bus tour
and sees: the Capitol; Washington Monument; Lincoln Memorial; Supreme Court building; Tomb of the
Unknowns; Arlington National Cemetery; Constitution Hall; White House.
It Wasn't Washington: All the background film was shot in Washington and rear-projected on a Hollywood
set, where the film was actually made. The scenes in the Senate were filmed on a stage that was meticulously
reproduced.
Film's Background: Director Rouben Mamoulian bought the story from Lewis R. Foster for $1,500. Columbia
Studios chief Harry Cohn tried to buy the story for Frank Capra for $75,000. Mamoulian turned down the offer.
When Cohn allowed Mamoulian to direct another movie, Mamoulian sold the rights for only what he paid. It
was thought that Gary Cooper, the star of Capra's "Mr. Deeds Goes to Town," might star in "Mr. Deeds Goes to
Washington." But Capra picked Jimmy Stewart, who he believed to appear more boyish and naive.
Plot: When a state senator dies, Gov. Hubert Hopper (Guy Kibbee) believes that Jefferson Smith (Jimmy
Stewart) would be perfect in the interim role since he was so naive. Media magnate Jim Taylor (Edward
Arnold) and Sen. Joseph Paine (Claude Rains) expect Smith to back their crooked scheme to finance a new dam
that will appreciate their real estate holdings.
When the press depicts him as incompetent, Smith feels he has disgraced his state. Paine convinces Smith he
can make a difference by drafting a bill to create a national boys' camp. His cynical secretary Clarissa Saunders
(Jean Arthur), who has been in Washington for a long time, falls in love with him and his idealism. When she
learns of the conspriacy by Taylor and Paine, she tells Smith.
A devastated Smith tells Paine he will expose the corruption, but Paine tells the Senate (96 members, 48 states
then) that Smith owns the land on which he wants to build the camp. Paine and others lie in front of a special
committee, which recommends Smith be kicked out of the Senate. Saunders suggests he can lead a filibuster
until his friends find evidence to clear him. Smith begins his 23-hour stand that leads to the "Capraesque"
ending.
Memorable Scenes:
When Smith arrives in Washington, he's wide-eyed and as excited as a school boy. Saunders tries to explain to
Smith how difficult it is to write, introduce and pass a bill. A drunken Saunders, who is smitten with Smith, tells
him about the graft in the bill introduced by Paine. Paine stands up in the Senate and accuses Smith of owning
the land upon which he wants to create a national boys camp. Saunders convinces Smith -- at the Lincoln
Memorial -- not to quit. The final minutes of Smith's 23-hour filibuster, when he confronts Paine and gives a
speech about "lost causes." After Smith collapses in the Senate, the overwhelming guilt finally catches up with
Paine, who confesses that Smith is innocent and he and others are the crooks.
Memorable Lines:
"Liberty is too precious a thing to be buried in books, Miss Saunders. Men should hold it up in front of them
every single day of their lives and say, 'I'm free to think and to speak. My ancestors couldn't. I can. And my
children will' ": Smith to Saunders when they begin drafting the bill for the national camp for boys. "Maybe we
can clear out of this town (Washington) ... get to feel like people": a drunken Saunders to her friend, Diz Moore.
"Well, I'm gettin' out of this town so fast, away from all the words and all the momuments and the whole rotten
show": Smith to Saunders after Paine and others lied about him to a special committee.
Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939)
Stewart's idealistic young Senator Jefferson Smith locks horns with a powerful political machine in Capra's
often biting satire about Washington. Stewart is aided by hard-boiled secretary Arthur, some Boy Rangers and a
24-hour filibuster.
American Government
Unit 3 The Legislative Branch
Dixon
Video Guide Mr. Smith Goes to Washington
1. Why did the governor get a call late at night?
2. What are the men, Senator Paine, Jim Taylor and the other men concerned with at the start of the movie?
3. Why do the men want Horace Miller to be named the replacement Senator?
4. How do the people respond to the proposed appointment of Horace Miller?
5. Who suggests Jefferson Smith for appointment for Senate?
6. Who is Jefferson Smith?
7. What does Senator Paine say about Smith and how he will be in washington?
8. What is his slogan? “a _______________________ of 100,000 boys…”
9. How does Smith feel about his new role as Senator?
10. How did Senator Paine and Senator Smith’s father know each other?
11. What happens to Smith at the train station and who does he meet?
12. What does Senator Smith do when he arrives in Washington, D.C.? Where does he go? What does he see?
13. What is Mr. Smiths’ idea to improve the Nation?
14. How does the press start to portray Smith? Was he taken out of context?
15. What bill does Mr. Smith Start to work on?
16. Who explains how to write a bill to Smith?
17. Hoe does Ms. Saunders view of Smith change as she works with him on his bill?
18. How does Willett Creek become an issue?
19. How is Senator Smith treated when he introduces the bill to the Senate?
20. How does Mr. Taylor threaten Mr. Smith and what does he offer him if he agrees to Taylors wishes?
21. How does this impact Senator Paine? How does he feel about Taylor threatening Smith?
22. What does Mr. Smith read during his filibuster?
23. What notes are sent to Senator Smith by Ms. Saunders?
24. How long does the speech/filibuster last?
25. What does Senator Paine do at the end of the Movie?
Character List:
Character
Hubert “Happy”
Hopper
Jefferson Smith
Title
Jim Taylor
Joseph Paine
Clarissa Saunders
Diz Moore
Define:
Filibuster
Cloture
Graft
What is the big deal about Willett Creek?
Description of Character
Political Science
Interest Group Internet Lab
Dixon
Interest groups are private groups that try to get public officials to respond to their agendas. Like political
parties, interest groups exist to achieve some political purpose.
With this in mind, your assignment is to choose a State or National level Political Interest Group and create a
brief that describes the group.
Your brief should include all of the following:
Name of the group
What is its main purpose and objectives
What is their mission statement?
What major policy areas do they address?
What are some of their activities?
Fund raisers, etc.
Membership
What is the membership pool like? Who are members?
What do you need to do to become a member?
How do they make money?
Fundraisers, membership, etc.
What is their yearly budget?
Where does their money go? Lawyers, lobbyist, etc.
What are other groups that are doing the same or similar? And how can they be reached? E-mail or web
page address
How is the leadership of the group set up?
Exactly how can this group be reached?
What is their email address and Web page link?
You must get in contact with the group either via E-mail or regular mail. A copy of this letter or E-mail and
any reply must be included with your paper. In this letter or email you should ask for any information that
you have not been able to find, or you may tell them you are interested in their group and are doing a school
project on interest groups and you wish to have more information on their group.
You will be counted off if any part of the 13 areas above is not covered in your paper.
Please type your paper if at all possible.
This paper is due at the end of the period today
1
An idea for a bill may come from anybody, however only
Members of Congress can introduce a bill in Congress. Bills can
be introduced at any time the House is in session.
There are four basic types of legislation: bills; joint resolutions;
concurrent resolutions; and simple resolutions.
A bill's type must be determined. A private bill affects a specific
person or organization rather than the population at large. A
public bill is one that affects the general public.
2
After the idea for a bill is developed and the text of the bill is written, a Member
of Congress must officially introduce the bill in Congress by becoming the bill's
sponsor.
Representatives usually sponsor bills that are important to them and their
constituents.
Representatives who sponsor bills will try to gain support for them, in hopes that
they will become laws.
Two or more sponsors for the same bill are called co-sponsors.
3
Bills can be introduced whenever the House is in session.
In the House, bills are officially introduced by placing them in a special box known as
the hopper, which is located at the rostrum, or Speaker's platform. In the Senate, a bill
is introduced by placing it on the presiding officer's desk or by formally introducing it
on the Senate Floor.
In the House, a bill clerk assigns the bill a number. House bills begin with "H.R."
Resolutions begin with "H. Res.," "H. Con. Res.," or "H. J. Res," depending what type
they are. Senate bills begin with "S."
The first reading of a bill means the bill's title is read on the House Floor. The bill is
then referred to a committee for markup.
The bill is referred to the appropriate committee. The 19 House standing committees and
16 Senate committees each have jurisdiction over different areas of public policy, such as
agriculture, education and the workforce, and international relations.
The bill is placed on the committee's calendar.
The committee debates on and marks up the proposed bill, and may or may not make
changes to it.
Committee members vote to accept or reject the changes made during the markup session.
If a bill includes many amendments, the committee may decide to introduce a "clean bill"
with a new number.
The committee votes on the bill after it has been debated and/or amended.
A committee may stop action, or "table" a bill it deems unwise or unnecessary.
4
The bill is referred to a subcommittee, and placed on its calendar.
The bill is carefully studied. The subcommittee may hold hearings to obtain the views
of experts, supporters, and opponents.
The bill is tabled when the subcommittee deems it unwise or unnecessary.
If changes are needed, the subcommittee will meet to mark up the bill.
Subcommittee members vote to accept or reject the changes.
If the subcommittee accepts the bill, the bill is sent back to the full committee for
approval or rejection.
5
The bill is released from the committee, along with a
report explaining the provisions of the bill, and is thus
ordered reported.
The reported bill is put on one of five House calendars,
the Union Calendar and the House Calendar being the
most commonly used.
The bill is sent to the House Floor for consideration.
7
6
A bill can come to the House Floor for consideration in a variety of ways. Many
House bills are debated through a parliamentary device known as the Committee of
the Whole, which is a mechanism that permits faster consideration.
Floor action begins and Members debate the bill.
The conduct of debate is dictated by the Rules of the House generally, and may also
be governed by a special rule granted specifically for the bill under consideration.
Following debate, the second reading of the bill begins in a section-by-section
manner, during which amendments may be offered.
At the conclusion of all amendment debate, the bill is read a third time.
Next, the House is ready to vote on the bill.
The bill is read by title only and put to a vote.
Members in attendance will vote to pass or not to pass the bill.
Members most often vote electronically in the House Chamber using the
Electronic Voting System. Members of the Senate cast their votes by nonelectronic means.
Roll Call votes cast by the U.S. House of Representatives are recorded in
the House Journal, the Congressional Record, and posted on the website of
the Clerk of the House.
Members may vote "Yea" for approval, "Nay" for disapproval, or "Present"
to record that they were in attendance but chose not to vote.
If a majority of the House votes to pass the bill, the bill is then referred to
the Senate to undergo a similar process of approval.
8
When a bill passes in the House, it must also pass in the Senate in order
to become a law. The two houses of Congress make up the bicameral
legislature, part of a system of checks and balances that ensures that
laws are created democratically.
Once the bill and its amendments has been officially passed by the
House and certified by the Clerk, it is said to be "engrossed."
In the Senate, the bill again may be sent to a committee for study or
markup.
Members may choose to ignore the bill and continue to work on their
own legislation.
Members may vote to pass or not to pass the bill.
If the bill passes with different language, it must be sent for review to a
conference committee, which is a committee made up of members from
both the House and the Senate.
Differences must be agreed upon before the bill is sent to the President
for signature. At this point the bill is "enrolled."
9
OR
10
If the President signs the bill, or
takes no action while Congress is in
session, then the bill becomes a law.
If Congress overrides a presidential
veto, the bill becomes a law.
New public and private laws are
prepared and published by the
Office of the Federal Register
(OFR) of the National Archives and
Records Administration (NARA).
If the President decides a bill is unwise or unnecessary, the
President does not sign the bill, but issues an official
statement of objections to the bill called a veto.
The President can veto a bill indirectly by withholding
approval of the bill until Congress has adjourned sine die.
This informal way of preventing a bill from becoming a law is
called a pocket veto.
When the President issues a veto, the bill returns to its House
of origin.
Objections to the veto are read and debated on the House
Floor.
If there are enough objections in the House to the presidential
veto, a vote is taken to override, or overrule, the veto.
If the House does not vote on a veto override, the bill is stalled
and does not become a law.
THEN
11
If enough Members object to the presidential veto, a vote is
taken to override, or overrule the veto.
A two-thirds vote or greater is needed in both the House
and the Senate to override the President's veto. If two-thirds
of both houses of Congress vote successfully to override
the veto, the bill becomes a law.
If the House and Senate do not override the veto, the bill
"dies" and does not become a law.
American Government
Unit 3 Legislative Branch
How a bill becomes a law flow chart
Name: ________________________ Period:____
Dixon
Using the packet How laws are made, create a flow chart of how a bill makes it through both houses of
congress, through conference and finally to the president, include options the president has .
A bill is proposed by a member of Congress
American Government
Unit 3 Legislative Branch
Lobbyist, PACs and Interest Groups
Name: ________________________ Period:____
Define Lobbying:
What does a Lobbyist do?
Who do lobbyists work for?
What methods do lobbyists use in their work?
What is a PAC?
What do PACS do?
What is an Interest Group?
What is a faction?
What do Interests Groups try to do?
Name two interest groups you know and what interest they are trying to foster.
Dixon
HISTORICAL ROOTS OF THE U.S. CONGRESS
How should Congress be organized? The Framers of the U.S. Constitution spent a lot of time arguing
over this question. As they formed our Federal legislative branch the Framers studied ancient British and
American models. The tree chart above shows these historical roots of the U.S. Congress.
Refer to the chart to answer the questions below.
I. Two branches of the tree chart show that Congress is bicameral--organized info two "houses" or
parts. What are these parts called?
2. One of the main roots of the U.S. Congress was the British Parliament. What were the other two?
3. The U.S. Senate gets its name from the Senate in ancient Rome. What other ancient republics were
models for Congress?
4. Which of the historical roots shown in the chart do you think most influenced the Framers when they
planned Congress and why do you think it influenced them?