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Congress. Review – Congress in the Constitution. Endowed with Legislative power Can check the Executive and Judicial branches Lawmaking body (including those based upon enumerated powers) Bicameral with House and Senate Members are subject to fixed terms and elections. Functions of Congress.
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Review – Congress in the Constitution • Endowed with Legislative power • Can check the Executive and Judicial branches • Lawmaking body (including those based upon enumerated powers) • Bicameral with House and Senate • Members are subject to fixed terms and elections
Functions of Congress • Lawmaking • Constituent Service • Representation • Oversight • Public Education • Conflict Resolution
The House of Representatives • 435 members • Elected from local districts (SMD) • Two year term • Many formal rules • Limits on debate • Appropriation bills originate here
The Senate • 100 members • Elected from states (2 per) • Six year term • Fewer formal rules, runs by tradition • Relatively extensive debate • Provides advice and consent to the President on treaties and appointments
Assigning Seats • Reapportionment • Redistricting • Gerrymandering
Court Rulings • Baker v. Carr (1962) • Wesberry v. Sanders (1964)
Congressional Bureaucracy • Staff • Agencies • Committees • Standing • Select • Joint • Conference
Leadership - House • Speaker of the House • Majority Leader • Minority Leader • Whips
Leadership - Senate • Vice President • President pro tempore • Majority/minority floor leaders • Majority/minority whips – keep the party membership unified • Chair of the Republican/Democratic Conference
Types of legislation • Bills • Private Bill • Public Bill • Resolution • H Res • S Res • Concurrent Resolution • Joint Resolution
Budgeting • 1-1.5 years prior to the fiscal year, the agency submits its request • 9-12 mo., OMB reviews and approves requests • 8-9 mo., Budget submitted to Congress • May 15, First Budget Resolution: Targets, Goals, Priorities • Oct. 1, Second Budget Resolution: Binding taxes and spending • Oct. 1 to Sept. 30 – Fiscal Year – Funds spent • GAO selectively audits agencies