Understanding the Structure of Congress

Understanding the Structure of Congress

A concise overview of the organization and functioning of the United States Congress, including its structure, roles, and responsibilities.

Open Ended

Do Now: Using an appositive, explain what you know about the roles of the branches of government (legislative, executive, and judicial) and the groups represented within them.

Understanding Congress Structure

Congress is a bicameral legislature consisting of the Senate and the House of Representatives. The Seventeenth Amendment, ratified in 1913, allowed for the direct election of Senators by the people. The House is designed to be the most representative body in Congress, with its size and terms determined by population.

Multiple Choice

What is the purpose of the Seventeenth Amendment?

• To allow for the direct election of Senators by the people

• To determine the size and terms of the House of Representatives

• To establish a bicameral legislature

• To ratify the Constitution

Seventeenth Amendment:

To allow for the direct election of Senators by the people. Before this amendment, Senators were chosen by state legislatures. This change was made to increase democracy and give citizens a direct voice in the Senate. Now, Senators are elected by popular vote in each state.

Understanding Congress Structure

Congress consists of 435 members in the House of Representatives and 100 members in the Senate. House members serve 2-year terms, while Senators serve 6-year terms. Caucuses are factions within parties that represent specific groups. Examples include the House Democratic Caucus and the Congressional Black Caucus.

Multiple Choice

How many members are there in the House of Representatives and the Senate combined?

• 535

• 5350

• 53500

• 535000

535 Members

• 535 is the total number of members in the House of Representatives and the Senate combined.

• This includes 435 members in the House of Representatives and 100 members in the Senate.

• The House of Representatives is based on population, while the Senate has 2 members per state.

Powers of Congress

• Power of the Purse: Raising revenue through taxing, budgeting, and appropriating.

• Commerce: Regulating foreign and interstate trade.

• Foreign & Military Affairs: Authority to raise armies, impose a draft, military spending, and declare war.

• Implied: Elastic Clause allows Congress to exercise powers not explicitly listed.

Multiple Choice

Which clause allows Congress to exercise powers not explicitly listed?

• Power of the Purse

• Commerce

• Foreign & Military Affairs

• Implied

Implied Powers

Trivia: The clause that allows Congress to exercise powers not explicitly listed is known as the Implied Powers clause. This clause is derived from the Necessary and Proper Clause of the United States Constitution. It grants Congress the authority to make laws that are necessary and proper to carry out its enumerated powers. The Implied Powers clause has been a subject of debate and interpretation throughout American history.

Understanding Congress

The House proposes revenue bills, impeaches a president, and selects a president when no electoral majority is reached. The Senate provides 'Advice and Consent' by suggesting or rejecting presidential appointments, approving foreign treaties, and convicting a president. Both houses have differing powers.

Multiple Choice

What is one of the powers of the House of Representatives?

• Proposing revenue bills

• Approving foreign treaties

• Impeaching a president

• Selecting a president when no electoral majority is reached

House of Representatives

Trivia: Did you know that one of the powers of the House of Representatives is approving foreign treaties? This means they have the authority to review and give their consent to agreements made between the United States and other countries. It's an important role in shaping international relations and ensuring the best interests of the nation are represented.

Open Ended

Exit Ticket: What is your opinion about term limits for the House and Senate?