SSCG 10 The student will describe the legislative
SSCG 10 The student will describe the legislative process including the roles played by committees and leadership
Committees Congress divides itself into different committees that focus on specific subject areas. Examples: Education, Agriculture, Science, etc. Led by a chairperson who guides and sets priorities for their committees. Members are chosen by their political parties
Committees • Committees have 3 main roles • Research specific subjects – holding hearings to get advice from experts • Write legislation – write laws that are related to their specific subject areas • Decide whether to send legislation to the floor – important enough for a vote • RESEARCH • WRITE LEGISLATION • DECIDE IF LEGISLATION IS SENT TO THE FLOOR
Committees There are four types of committees: 1234 - Standing Joint Select Conference
Committees • Standing Committee • Permanent groups set up that are responsible for specific subject areas. • Divided into sub-committees • Examples • Veterans Affairs • Homeland Security • Agriculture • Education
Committees • Joint Committee • Permanent committees made up of members of both houses • They investigate issues and make recommendations but don’t write bills.
Committees • Select Committee • Committees created to study an issue or event • Examples: • Energy Independence and Global Warming
Committees • Conference Committee • Committees formed when the two houses can’t agree on the details of a bill
Committees Facts of Congress
SSCG 9 The student will explain the differences between the House of Representatives and the Senate, with emphasis on terms of office, powers, organization, leadership, and representation of each house. Powers
Expressed Powers specifically stated in Article I of the Constitution Examples Decide how to raise money by setting taxes and borrowing funds Decide how to spend money for the benefit of the nation Regulate commerce among states and foreign nations Declare war Coin money Regulate process of becoming a citizen Create post offices Create an army/navy Powers Expressed Powers
Powers • Implied Powers • Powers the Constitution gives Congress that are not listed in detail. • The Constitution gives Congress the power to “make all laws which shall be necessary and proper”. • This is known as the Elastic Clause. • Collect taxes – members don’t go collect taxes directly. Created the IRS.
Powers • Non-legislative and Special Powers • Related to placing checks and balances • Powers shared by both Houses • Investigate issues and events by holding hearings • Propose amendments
Powers • Unique Powers of the House of Representatives • Impeach, or formally accuse of wrong-doing, government officials – most importantly, the President. • Choose the President if there is no majority in the Electoral College
Powers • Unique Powers of the Senate • Approve treaties • Approve presidential appointments • Conduct the trial when the House impeaches an official
POWERS - LIMITS ON POWERS • Ex Post Facto Laws • laws that make an act illegal, then allow the government to punish those who committed the act before it was made illegal. • Bill of Attainder • laws that provide for the punishment of specific people or group of people without a trial.
LIMITS ON POWERS • Writ of Habeas Corpus • Right to know what you are tried for. Congress can’t take away this right except during civil war or invasion. • Cannot show favoritism or give titles of nobility.
POWERS Powers, Committees & Debates
- Slides: 18