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The Congress

The Congress. 10/24/2011. Clearly Communicated Learning Objectives in Written Form. Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: identify and explain the role of formal (congressional) institutions and their effect on policy.

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The Congress

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  1. The Congress 10/24/2011

  2. Clearly Communicated Learning Objectives in Written Form • Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: • identify and explain the role of formal (congressional)institutions and their effect on policy. • to understand and interpret the United States Constitution and apply it to present policy dilemmas. • have a better understanding of why our national government works and why the American system of government is unique.

  3. Office Hours and Readings • Chapter 8 on Congress • Office Hours • Tuesday 8-10 • Wednesday 8-10

  4. Article I The congress

  5. The Great Compromise

  6. Eligibility House Senate 30 Years old 9 Years a US resident Citizen • 25 Years Old • 7 Years a US resident • Citizen

  7. The Senate • 2 Seats for Every State • 6 year Terms that overlap • 9 States have more than 50% of population, but 18% of representation

  8. The House • 435 Seats • Divided by Population • 2-year terms • 700,000 Constituents

  9. Redistricting and Reapportionment

  10. Reapportionment • Dividing up the 435 House Seats • Based on the Census • Every state Gets 1 (50 states) • 385 Seats are at play every year

  11. Winners and Losers 2012

  12. Redistricting • The process of redrawing districts within a state • State legislatures control the battle • Very Political

  13. Laws on Redistricting • Districts must have equal populations • You cannot destroy a party either • You cannot dilute minority voting • Malapportionment

  14. Gerrymandering • An Eponym • Politically motivated redefinition of election districts.  • Not possible in the Senate

  15. Packing and Cracking

  16. Partisan Gerrymandering • The Most Traditional Form • Drawing lines to favor a political party • Some of the Worst

  17. Racial Gerrymandering • The Original intent • Voting Rights Act • The Modern intent • Descriptive representation • Majority minority districts • The Political Implications

  18. Gerrymandering and the case of Texas

  19. The Events Leading Up to it all • In 2000, the Democrats Gerrymander the state in their favor • In 2002, the Democrats get 44% of the vote and 54% of the Seats in Congress • Republicans take the Texas House and Senate and want payback

  20. Payback Courtesy of Tom De Lay • A mid-year reapportionment • Strategy • 2 for 1s • Create unsafe seats • Make life miserable

  21. What it did locally

  22. Why it Fell apart • Voting Rights Act • One district ruled in violation • The Rest Fell like dominoes • But the Damage Was Done

  23. What Happened to Tom De Lay? • DWTS • Currently on bail awaiting an appeal on money laundering

  24. Getting to Congress

  25. The Bad Old Days • Congress Did very Little • It was seen as a penance • D.C. Was not a nice place

  26. What has changed? • Air Conditioning • Congress does more • People want to go there

  27. Who Are Our Congressman: Wealthy

  28. Why so many millionaires? • Running for Congress is a costly endeavor • Running for Congress is a full-time job • You need a job that permits this

  29. Congress is Older

  30. Still More Men Than Women

  31. Changes Since the 1990’s

  32. A Great Job

  33. Well-Paid

  34. Great Benefits • Money For Trips and Travel • Great Pension • Cheap Health Care

  35. Other Perks • Great Parking • 3 day work week • Franking Privilege • Power and Prestige

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