Congress

1
Congress

• Week 9
• Wilson Chapter 9

2
Congress in the Constitution

• 1776
• Did the Founders consider Congress to be of great
  or little importance?
• Which Article?
• How much attention in the Constitution?

3
Functions of Congress

• Representation
• Trustee
• Elected based on Voters confidence in his values
  and judgment
• Voters expect them to use their judgment
• Delegate
• Elected but expected to vote just as his
  constituents would if they were polled
• Which do you Prefer?
• Which did the Founders expect or prefer?

4
Functions of Congress

• Compromise and Consensus-building
• Oversight and Investigation
• Hearings on mismanaged laws
• Hearings on scandal or law violations
• Policy Clarification

5
Functions of Congress

• Confirming Appointments
• Federal Judges
• Ambassadors
• Cabinet members and others
• Ratifying
• Treaties with foreign nations
• Treaties with international organizations

6
Functions of Congress

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

7
Speaker of ? the House ?
?Senate ?leadership
8
Structure of Congress

• Committees
• Rules VS Norms

9
U.S. House VS U.S. Senate
10
Stuff to think about

• Who is in Congress?
• How do Congress Members decide
• Fragmentation in Congress
• Coordination in Congress