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)

Name: _____________________________ Period: ______

Note book Grade: ______

Thursday 9/10 Friday 9/11

Constitution Test Kaleidoscope

Monday 9/14 Tuesday 9/15 Wednesday 9/16 Thursday 9/17 Friday 9/18

Ken Burns

Congress Video

Ken Burns

Congress Video

Roots of Congress

Read Chapter 5.1

and 5.2 in class do

Chapter 5 Vocab

HW: finish reading

Chap 5

Early Release Day

Chapter 5 Guided

Notes

Complete

Representation in

congress sheet,

Leadership in

Congress sheet. Go

over sheets.

Monday 9/21 Tuesday 9/22 Wednesday 9/23 Thursday 9/24 Friday 9/25

Vocab Quiz Ch 5

Legislative Bio

Activity.

HW:Current Event

Chapter 6 Vocab

Chapter 6 notes

Powers of congress

Finish Chap 6 nts

School House

Rock

Vocab Quiz Ch 6

Introduce Project

HW: Chap 7 vocab

Chapter 7 Notes

How a Bill

Becomes A Law

Flow Chart

Work on Project

HW: Committees

Lobbyist and

Interest Group

activity. Start

Mr. Smith Goes

to Washington

Monday 9/28 Tuesday 9/29 Wednesday 9/30 Thursday 10/1 Friday 10/2

Mr. Smith Goes

to Washington

Mr. Smith Goes

to Washington

Review day

Complete Study

guide and

Congress review

chart, Rev. Game

Test Unit 2

Begin Unit

Present Videos

or Skits

Begin Executive

Branch

Political Science Dixon, M.E.

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

Political Science Dixon, M.E.

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

Political Science Dixon, M.E.

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

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.

The legislative branch has two types of

powers: expressed and implied. In YOUR

OWN WORDS describe what this means….

What are the qualifications of the members of

the Senate and House? Who is the main

person in charge of each?

Illustration representing the legislative branch

Describe what this branch of government

deals with or does in your own words.

Legislative

Branch

What part of the constitution covers this branch of

government? Which part lists out its powers?

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:

Political Science Dixon, M.E.

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 Examples of Each Type

Standing Committee

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 Senate Joint

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

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)

(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 17th 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 Dixon

Unit 3 Legislative Branch

Leadership in Congress

Name: ________________________ Period:____

Use your book to fill out the following chart.

The House of Representatives Position Roles Historical Figure and Significance

Speaker of the House

Majority Leader and

Minority Leaders

Majority Whip/Minority

Whip

The Senate

Position Roles Historical Figure and Significance

President of the

Senate/VP

President Pro Tempore

Majority Leader and

Minority Leaders

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.

Group Members:

1. ______________________

2. ______________________

3. ______________________

4. ______________________

5. ______________________

Grading Rubric

4 3 2 1

All group

members

present in the

video/skit

Everyone had an

active part in the

presentation.

4-3 members

present

3-2 members

present

Only 1-2

members present.

Complete typed

script of

video/skit

Script is

complete with all

lines clean and

all dialogue

clear.

Script is missing

some parts and

lines but is

relatively clear.

Script not clean

and or not typed.

No script present

Story Board

with each scene

shown.

Each scene is

sketched out and

clear and colored

Scenes are

shown and clear

but missing color

and specifics.

Scenes missing

and or no use of

color.

No Story board

present.

Video/skit

Length

Video/skit is

3minutes or

longer

Video/skit is

under 3 minutes.

Video/skit is

under 2 minutes.

Video/skit is

under 1 minute.

Video/skit Story Story is very

clear and shows

the bill process

and has an

interesting hook

or theme to the

story.

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.

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

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

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

The _____________________ 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 _________________________

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 __________ 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

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

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

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

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

Veto literally translated means “__________________”.

Chapter 12 Congress in Action Congressional Organization

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

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

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

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

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? ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Senate House Total

Membership 100 435

Term of office 6 years 2 years Vacancy Named by Governor Special Election

Qualifications

30 years old Resident for 9 years

State Resident

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

Tries cases of Impeachment Elects VP if electoral

college can’t Advise and Consent Power

Brings Impeachment Charges (impeach: to

accuse) Elects President if

E.C. can’t All money bills start

here

Number of members from

each state

2 Depends on Population, but at least 1 per state.

Why is membership in the Senate different than membership in the House?

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

American Government Dixon Legislative Bio Mini-Project 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 Information

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

American Government Dixon Unit 3 Legislative Branch

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 Dixon Unit 3 The Legislative Branch 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 Dixon, M.E.

Unit 3 The Legislative Branch

Video Quiz Ken Burn’s Congress

Name: _____________________________ Period: _____

Answer the Following:

1. Was the Capital build partly by slaves?

2. Approximately how many people have served in Congress?

3. When does Congress declare war for the first time?

4. Who engineered the Missouri Compromise?

5. Who was the first African-American Congressman?

6. Who did he replace?

7. Who was beaten with a cane on the floor of Congress?

8. On December 7, 1941, what does congress decide to do?

American Government Dixon, M.E.

Unit 3 The Legislative Branch

Video Quiz Ken Burn’s Congress

Name: _____________________________ Period: _____

Answer the Following:

1. Was the Capital build partly by slaves?

2. Approximately how many people have served in Congress?

3. When does Congress declare war for the first time?

4. Who engineered the Missouri Compromise?

5. Who was the first African-American Congressman?

6. Who did he replace?

7. Who was beaten with a cane on the floor of Congress?

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 Dixon Unit 3 The Legislative Branch 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 Title Description of Character

Hubert “Happy”

Hopper

Jefferson Smith

Jim Taylor

Joseph Paine

Clarissa Saunders

Diz Moore

Define:

Filibuster

Cloture

Graft

What is the big deal about Willett Creek?

Political Science Dixon

Interest Group Internet Lab

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

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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.

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.

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.

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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.

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.

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 non-electronic 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.

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THEN

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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."

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.

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.

A bill is proposed by a member of Congress

American Government Dixon

Unit 3 Legislative Branch

How a bill becomes a law flow chart

Name: ________________________ Period:____

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 .

American Government Dixon

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.

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?