文档介绍：Chapter 9
The Congress
Why was Congress Created?
founders feared tyrannical rulers
founders also had experienced the weakness of the congress under the Articles of Confederation
bicameralism attempts to balance the power among large and small states
The Powers of Congress
Enumerated e from Article I, section 8 of the Constitution
control of money
regulation of trade beyond state borders
regulation of military
defining the court structure
Implied e from the necessary and proper clause
come from the Supreme Court’s ruling in McCulloch v. Maryland
allows Congress to enact laws that may assist the Congress in plishing goals directly related to the enumerated power
The Functions of Congress
lawmaking
constituent service (casework)
representing
as a trustee
as an instructed delegate
as bination of roles
oversight
public education
conflict resolution
Differences Between the House and the Senate
HOUSE*
SENATE*
Members chosen from local districts
Two-year term
Originally elected by voters
May impeach (indict) federal officials
Larger (435 voting members)
More formal rules
Debate limited
Less prestige and less individual notice
Originates bills for raising revenues
Local or narrow leadership
More partisan
Members chosen from an entire state
Six-year term
Originally (until 1913) elected by state
legislatures
May convict federal officials of
impeachable offenses
Smaller (100 members)
Fewer rules and restrictions
Debate extended
More prestige and more media attention
Has power to advise the president on, and
to consent to, presidential appointments
and treaties
National leadership
Less party loyalty
* Some of these differences, such as the term of office, are provided for in the Constitution. Others, such as debate rules, are not.
Comparing Congresspersons and the Citizenry
Congressional Elections
operated by individual state governments
House of Representatives
elected every two years by popular ballot
number of seats is determined by population
each state