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Oct 28 – Gov – Congress. Agenda: Congress Basics How a bill becomes a law Mock Congress Goals Homework: 11:3 (370-381) Read and take Notes. Take out: Budget Hero Materials Pen/Pencil Notebook. Introduction to Congress. Objectives.
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Oct 28 – Gov – Congress Agenda: • Congress Basics • How a bill becomes a law • Mock Congress Goals Homework: • 11:3 (370-381) Read and take Notes Take out: • Budget Hero Materials • Pen/Pencil • Notebook
Objectives • The major formal and informal institutional arrangements of power. • Relationships among these four institutions and varying balances of power. • Linkages between institutions and the following: • Public opinion and voters • Interest groups • Political parties • The media • Subnational governments Make a chart for yourself on formal and informal arrangements for power!
Overview—The Basics • Congressional terms—2 years • Begin January 3 of every odd numbered year • Adjournment—must be agreed upon by both houses • Two regular sessions per term
More Basics • Bicameral—two house legislature • HOR—Designed to be closer to people; • Members elected directly by the people • Smaller districts; Elected for 2 year terms—entire body elected • Revenue bills MUST originate in HOR • Senate—Designed to be more removed from people • Originally—indirectly elected; 17th Amendment • Elected on at large basis; 6 year terms • 1/3 up for election every 2 years
House of Representatives the AISLE
House of Representatives • Size • Determined by Congress—435 since 1911 • Members elected by “districts” • Number of reps determined by population • 1 for every 166,000 persons • Terms FIXED—2 years; unlike parliamentary systems • Qualifications— • Age: 25 years old, 7 years a citizen
Senate • Size—100 • Smaller size, more informal, less rules, less strict procedures • Term of office— • 6 years, 1/3 up for election every 2—ensures stable body; no term limits • Qualifications— • Age: 30 years; 9 years a citizen
How a Bill Becomes a Law!
Adapted from Kids in the House http://clerkkids.house.gov/laws/
Objectives of Mock Congress: • Describe the legislative process and how a bill becomes a law. Anticipate obstacles in a bill becoming a law. • Analyze the roles and relationships of Congressional leaders, committees, and the function of party leadership in policymaking • Understand the organizational and power differences between the House and the Senate • Analyze the complexity of what it takes to pass a bill in terms of congressional negotiations, committee role, and the process of amending. • Participate in basic parliamentary procedure • Develop communication skills through debate and speech • Write their own bill following proper format • Learn about and discuss contemporary issues