U S Congress Structure and Powers Powers of










- Slides: 10

U. S. Congress: Structure and Powers

Powers of Congress • Enumerated powers – Powers expressly granted to Congress in the Constitution • Examples: Levy taxes, regulate interstate commerce • Expanded powers – Necessary and Proper Clause – Commerce Clause – Spending Clause

Functions of Congress • Lawmaking – How does a bill become a law? – Logrolling • Service to constituents – Casework – Representation • Oversight • Educating the public


House-Senate Differences • • Representation based on population Constituencies Length of term Impeachment vs. Conviction Limited debate vs. filibuster Advise and consent Party loyalty

Leadership Structure House • Speaker of House – Dennis Hastert (R-IL) • Majority Leader – Tom De. Lay (R-TX) • Minority Leader – Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) • Majority Whip – Roy Blunt (R-MO) • Minority Whip – Steny Hoyer (D-MD) Senate • President – Dick Cheney (VP) • President Pro-Tempore – Ted Stevens (R-AK) • Majority Leader – Bill Frist (R-TN) • Minority Leader – Tom Daschle (D-SD) • Majority Whip – Mitch Mc. Connell (R-KY) • Minority Whip – Harry Reid (D-NV)

Committee Structure Committee structure divides legislative labor through specialization • Standing Committees • Select Committees • Conference Committees • Joint Committees • Committee chairmen used to be determined by seniority now these are partisan decisions

Fenno’s Paradox

Public’s Evaluation of Congress

Public’s Evaluation of Congress
LEGISLATIVE POWERS Powers of Congress I Expressed Powers
Powers of Congress Powers Congress Constitution Debated Mixed
The Structure and Powers of Congress Bicameral structure
Congress and Powers of Congress Chapters 10 and
Powers of Congress Houses and Members of Congress
Government Powers Division of Powers Powers Granted e
Plenary v Concurrent Powers Plenary Powers powers granted
Presidential Powers Overview of Presidential Powers Executive Powers
Implied Powers Implied Powers powers that are not
Presidential Powers Overview of Presidential Powers Executive Powers