Lesson 21
- 1. What is the role of congress in American constitutional democracy? Gary Allen, Will Henrie John George,
- 2. Representation Congress is designed to represent everyone and not only specified social classes. House of representatives serve a two year term so current needs of the people are met. Senate was designed with six year terms so they are not influenced by temporary impulses.
- 3. Separation of Powers In British Parliament there is a close link between legislative and executive branches. In the U.S. there is a co-equal separation between them. House of Representatives and senate are equally powerful and constantly check or limit one another.
- 4. Federalism The Constitutional arrangement in which power is divided between a central government and a local or state represented government. In Great Britain, central government overrules all local government, even in larger cities. In the United States, the state legislatures hold considerably more power.
- 5. Length of Terms In Parliament, House of Commons is on a fixed election schedule of five years. However, elections can occur sooner. Congress face elections specified by the constitution, no matter how popular or unpopular the congressman/woman may be. Representatives are elected every two years. Senators are elected every six. Senate is divided so that one third is up for re-election every two years.
- 6. What are the Constitutional powers of Congress? Necessary and Proper Clause gives congress the right to pass all laws that are felt to be necessary and proper. Cannot impose taxes on exported items from any state. Cannot grant titles of nobility. Cannot remove money from the treasury. Cannot establish a national religion or infringe free speech. Cannot levy excessive fines. Cannot permit cruel and/or unusual punishment.
- 7. Enumerated Powers Powers that are specifically listed and given to congress. Advising treaties Appointing Ambassadors Opposing amendments Admitting new states
- 8. Implied Powers The Necessary and Proper Clause gives congress power to legislate on subjects not directly described in The Constitution Alexander Hamilton first used these implied laws to create a national bank Most laws the congress enacts are written in general terms so they can be interpreted
- 9. Enforcement Powers The 13 th amendment, outlawing slavery, was the first to give congress the power to enforce by appropriate legislation Congress used the commerce clause to enforce the civil rights act of 1964
- 10. Inherent Powers Powers so innate or ingrained in the institution that they do not need to be written Congress’ power to investigate is an example of these powers
- 11. How Does Congress Represent The People of The States? Number of Representatives will not exceed one per each thirty thousand (in population) Each state must have at least one Representative A Representatives designated area is a District
- 12. Why Is Districting Controversial? No matter where lines are drawn, some groups will be harmed while others benefit One person, one vote rule states: district lines must be redrawn after a ten year census
- 13. What Theories of Representation Guide Congress? Delegate Theory: Delegates mirror constituent views of congress Trustee Theory: Gain the trust of constituents then exercise own best interest
- 14. How Do Members of Congress Serve Their Constituents Communication: Representatives of Congress communicate with constituents through letters and media appearances Casework: Members of Congress employ staff to help with offices and problems encountered with national government Also assist with personal favors Serving Constituent’s Interests and concerns: Introduce legislations that support Constituent’s needs
- 15. Check For Understanding 1. How many senators are apart of Congress? A) 25 B) 75 C) 50
- 16. Check For Understanding 2. District lines are redrawn ever ______ years. A) 2 B) 10 C) 20
- 17. Check For Understanding Regulating Commerce with foreign nations is a _____ power. A) Enumerated B) Inherent C) Implied
- 18. Check For Understanding TRUE or FALSE: British Parliament represents specific social classes. Federalism divides power between local and state government. A trustee mirrors constituent’s views.
- 19. Check For Understanding Fill In The Blank: The ______ Theory of Representation has delegates that reflect the views of their constituents. The ______ Theory of Representation gains the trust of their constituents but uses their own judgment. The outlaw of slavery was the first time Congress used ______ Power.
- 20. Check For Understanding Essay Question: Do you prefer the Delegate or Trustee Theory of Representation? Why?
- 21. No Mas Gracias por viendo nuestro Power point. Buenos dias a todos! Sincero, Mexico Joe y Co.