Presentation Transcript

1. Today’s Questions Why do we have the type of Legislature we have? (what is it?) How is our legislature divided; when and how do the meet? How many members to the House of Representatives—and how elected. What is and WHY gerrymandering! (and where does this originate!!!)

2. The Legislature

   Standard: Analyze Article I of the Constitution
3. “On both sides of the aisle”Republicans on one, Democrats on the other. (in theory) “They need to reach across the aisle”(Democrats and Republicans need to work together.)
4. Our system guarantees our government is representative Article I Sect. 1 of the constitution “All legislative Powers herein granted shall be vested in a Congress of the U.S. which shall consist of a Senate and House of Representatives.” This makes us a Bicameral Congress —made up of two houses.
5. Reasons We Chose 2 houses Historically Practical States were different sizes To be fair—one house is based on population; one is equally represented from each state. (this made everyone happy) Theoretical British Parliament had been this way since 1300s Most colonial assemblies were set up this way The state legislatures had been set up this way under the first US government Framers wanted another check on power. Believed one house would check the other and limit “Congress” as a whole. Kept it more equal with the Executive and Judicial branches.
6. Term Of Congress “You know, 535 of you people in Congress meet every two years. There are some of us who think that it would be much better if just two of met every 535 years.”
7. Special-Sessions Terms Sessions The time Congress conducts business January until it sees fit Rarely is out of session but does take recesses. Cannot adjourn until both sides agree. President has power of prorogue (end the session)but has never used it… Usually deal w/ emergencies in the country. Can be both houses or just one. Senate is called more than House (because of responsibilities—treaties, appointments etc. Runs for 2 years Starts noon of 3rd day of January of odd-numbered years (Can be changed slightly)
8. House of Representatives 435 Members—fixed by Congress Apportioned among states based on Population Each stated guaranteed 1 Representative Alaska Delaware Montana North Dakota, South Dakota Vermont Wyoming D.C., Guam, Virgin Islands and American Samoa have delegates but are not full-fledged members. Each has only 1 Representative.
9. ReapportionmentHow many representatives will each state get? First Congress--1789—the House had 65 seats—the House has grown with population Reapportionment Act of 1929 Set permanent size at 435 Census bureau would determine how many each state should have President gets their results and sends it to Congress. Congress approves. (this also helps balance power.)
10. Elections The Constitution: “The Times, Places and Manner of holding (Congressional) elections… shall be prescribed in each State by the Legislature thereof; but the Congress may at any time by Law make or alter such Regulation.” Article 1, Sec. 4, Clause 1
11. Date November 2014 The first time YOU vote!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Tuesday following the First Monday in November in even-numbered years. Alaska may hold their elections in October—but hasn’t After 1872—chosen by written or printed ballots 1899—voting machines Today you are a true American!!!!
12. Off-year a.k.a. Mid-Terms At the mid-term of a presidential term. Historically, doesn’t go well for party in power at the time (people grow unhappy with what is going on and vote against the party) (Dems gained some seats this year after losing them earlier, for instance) See chart on p 269 of your text.
13. Districts Historically, some single-member districts= voters select from a group of candidates in the district General ticket (at-large)—selecting from a group from the entire state. General ticket was unfair so was done away with. Congress commanded that… States draw their own districts using consideration for… Contiguity,--all in one piece Population—equal number of inhabitants Equality, Compactness—relatively small area
14. Let the games begin…… The States redistricted in 2011 after the 2010 census.... States draw districts for partisan advantage To concentrate the oppositions voters in one or two districts or To spread the opposition as thinly as possible This usually means that seats in congress are usually safe for a very long time… Gerrymandering—Drawing districts for political advantage.
15. A Great Visual
16. These are recent… Racial gerrymandering. Yep, they had to redraw. For Political benefit—Democrats 4th district—Massachusetts—Been in same hands since 1981
17. One more in Illinois Illinois—drawn to pack the Hispanic vote in the areas. It is contiguous by the thin strip of land along highway 294
18. Qualifications for House of Representatives 25 years old Citizen for 7 years Inhabitant of the state they are elected from Custom—not law--requires they live in the district Election can be challenged—but has rarely been used.
19. Expulsions and Reprimands in the House… 3 over Civil War 2 over corruption Many step down to avoid expulsion Some have been reprimanded for their actions.
20. The Senate 2 from each state Framers hoped they would be more enlightened so made their qualifications “more.” Hoped longer terms would keep them above the passions of the House. Represent all the people of the state—their constituencies. Were first selected by state legislatures—that changed by 17th Amendment--1913
21. Qualifications (6 years term) 30 years old Citizen for 9 years Inhabitant of state No limits Staggered elections—1/3 up for reelection every 2 years so it is a continuous body.
22. The Filibuster-a senatorial power SENATORS are allowed to attempt to block a vote on legislation by talking until a session closes or wheeling dealing is done. They must talk continuously (but the subject is not restricted) and they may not leave the podium (not even for, well, you know), In March of 2013, Sen. Rand Paul of KY tried to block the vote of Obama’s nomination of a new CIA leader.
23. The Senate may stop a filibuster By invoking “cloture.” In other words, the Senators listening to the filibuster vote to make the Senator “shut up…” …And thus get on with business 2/3 of the remaining Senators must vote in favor of cloture… It’s not done much—the Senators have a great respect for one another AND they know what goes around comes around.
24. Expulsions and ReprimandsWhat happens when they misbehave? 15 expulsions total in the Senate 1 in 1797 for conspiring against the U.S. 14 during Civil War Senate (or House) Ethics Committee over-sees behavior Several senators have been “called out” for improper behavior but have resigned or not run for reelection and avoided punishment
25. Recent Expulsions and Censures 1980 Rep. Michael Myers Democratic Pennsylvania Expelled for accepting bribes in the Abscam scandal. 1983 Rep. Gerry StuddsDemocratic Massachusetts and Rep. Daniel Crane Republican Illinois Censured for sexual misconduct with a House page. 1990 Sen. David Durenberger Republican Minnesota Censured for unethical conduct including acceptance of prohibited gifts, converting campaign contributions to personal use, illegal use of a condominium, and the structuring of a real estate deal. 2002 Rep. James Traficant Democratic Ohio Expelled after being convicted on charges of bribery, racketeering, and tax evasion. 2010 Rep. Charles Rangel Democratic New York Censured for improper use of House letterhead for fundraising, failing to disclose personal financial assets, failing to pay taxes on a Dominican villa, and using a rent-controlled New York city apartment as a political office.
26. Censure Allegations must be brought forward, Investigated Reported on / recommendations Voted upon… In 2010, Rep Charles Rangel from NY was censured…
27. Writing your Congressman Page 276 of your text for guidance House memebers… https://writerep.house.gov/writerep/welcome.shtml
28. Senate http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm Or just google: how to write senators or House of Represent.
29. What do I write? What is….. (health care, don’t ask don’t tell, ) Why… (health care and not just private care, tax relief bill) What…(help can I expect in college, should I expect for jobs) I don’t understand…(tax relief bill, DADT, etc) Why do you want to serve How can I help our country right now Congratulations on your (re)election
30. Where do I look for issues?
31. http://www.opencongress.org/issues/alphabetical/A
32. Do 2 copies One to mail out—I will have envelope to give you to address—you must have the address. One to turn in to me to grade—parent signature on it to show they’ve seen it.
33. Address the Senator as: Senator Kay Bailey Hutchinson or The Honorable Kay Bailey Hutchinson Address a Representative as: Congressman Lamar Smith or The Honorable Lamar Smith Angelina Jolie PSC 41 Box 1111 APO AE 09464 Senator Kay Bailey Hutchinson Washington DC Office 2184 Rayburn House Office BuildingWashington, DC 20515