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Unit 2: Interactions Among Branches of Government

Explore the structures, powers, and functions of the House of Representatives and the Senate in Congress. Learn about legislative authority, budget allocations, and the balance of powers within the bicameral legislature.

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Unit 2: Interactions Among Branches of Government

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  1. Unit 2: Interactions Among Branches of Government Lecture & Discussion 1: Congress: The Senate and the House of Representatives

  2. Enduring Understanding The republican ideal in the United States is manifested in the structure and operation of the legislative branch.

  3. Objective(s) To describe the different structures, powers, and functions of both houses in Congress.

  4. Do Now Respond to the prompt: • Is Saint Mary’s College or California State University at Sacramento considered to be a more prestigious institution? Explain. • more difficult entrance requirements • smaller enrollment • higher advanced degrees

  5. A. A Bicameral Legislature • Article I: establishes the national legislature, comprised of the House of Representatives and the Senate

  6. A. A Bicameral Legislature • A Comparison: House v. Senate

  7. A Comparison: House v. Senate

  8. A Comparison: House v. Senate

  9. CA Congressional Districts

  10. CA District 9

  11. A Comparison: House v. Senate

  12. A Comparison: House v. Senate

  13. Based on this information, why do you believe the Senate is referred to as the “upper house?” Explain.

  14. B. Constitutional Authority • Legislative Powers • U.S. Constitution vests all legislative authority in Congress, meaning the power to make law • enumerated powers: a vast array of expressed powers are listed in Article I, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution

  15. B. Constitutional Authority • Legislative Powers • power of the purse: Congress has the authority to raise revenue and spend federal money “All bills for raising Revenue shall originate in the House of Representatives; but the Senate may propose or concur amendments as on other bills.” - Article 1, Section 7, Clause 1 “No money shall be drawn from the Treasury, but in Consequence of Appropriations made by Law…” - Article I, Section 9, Clause 7

  16. Discretionary vs. Mandatory Spending Discretionary Mandatory (2/3 budget) (1/3 budget) Spending on certain programs as mandated by law (i.e. entitlements) Spending set by the government through appropriations bills Federal Spending ($) • Social Security • Medicare • Interest on Debt • Defense • Environment • Education

  17. B. Constitutional Authority • Legislative Powers • implied powers: elastic clause in Article I, Section 8, Clause 18 enables Congress to “make all laws…necessary and proper” to carry out the enumerated powers

  18. Expressed vs. Implied Powers

  19. B. Constitutional Authority • Non-Legislative Powers • formal amendment: propose an amendment by a 2/3rd vote in both houses (Article V) • electoral duties: House chooses president and Senate chooses VP if no candidate receives a majority of electoral votes (12th Amendment) • executive duties: Senate approves presidential appointments with a majority vote and treaties with a 2/3rd vote (Article II, Section 2, Clause 2)

  20. B. Constitutional Authority • Non-Legislative Powers • impeachment: House brings formal charges with a majority vote (Article I, Section 2, Clause 5) and Senate convicts with a 2/3rd vote (Article I, Section 3, Clause 6) • oversight: committees conduct hearings, reviews and investigations related to executive actions (implied in Article I, Section 1 as Congress possesses “all legislative power”)

  21. C. Balancing the Budget The Constitution tasks Congress with the “power of the purse,” meaning it has authority over federal taxation and spending. Because the federal budget must prioritize competing interests, many Americans are often dissatisfied with the allocation of funds. Can you balance the federal budget?

  22. C. Balancing the Budget • Directions: Follow these instructions to complete the simulation. • Read the article “Trump’s Budget Proposal.” • Go to http://usa.v1.abalancingact.com/. • Click on “Help” to learn the two ways you can adjust the federal budget. • Make adjustments to balance the budget. • Submit and print your proposed budget.

  23. C. Balancing the Budget • Directions: Respond to the following prompts. • What were the proposals in Trump’s budget? • Were you able to balance the federal budget? • Did you reduce spending? What categories? • Did you raise revenue? What categories? • Is your budget proposal sustainable? Explain.

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