2. Key Functions of Congress Representation: expresses the diverse views of the American people Law Making: creates bills to address issues and solve problems in American society Consensus Building: reconciles competing interests Oversight: ensures that laws passed by Congress are effectively carried out by the executive branch Investigation: investigates government agencies, including the White House---impeachment Approval: confirms presidential appointees and treaties (Senate Only)

3. “ In order to control the legislative authority, you must divide it.” James Madison, Federalist No. 51 How will this set up protect Americans from tyranny? The House Wing The Senate Wing A Bicameral Legislature

4. House Office Buildings Senate Office Buildings Virtual Tour of the Senate Chamber The Well in the House Chamber

6. Non Voting Members of the House 1 representative each: >>can participate in debate and on committees >>cannot vote The District of Columbia Puerto Rico American Samoa Virgin Islands

7. The House of Representatives: Requirements Must live in state and district Must be 25 years or older Must be a U.S. citizen for at least 7 years Term begins on January 3 and last for 2 years. One of 435 other members of the House Must be elected by the majority of people in his/her district  650,000 people on average Compare to the Senate

8. The Senate: Requirements Must live in state Must be elected by the majority of registered voters living in the state Term begins January 3 rd and lasts for six years. 1 of 100 other Senators: 2/state Must be 30 years old Must be a U.S. citizen for at least 9 years. Compare to the House

9. What do they both enjoy? Perks of the Office Salary: $165,200/year Free Office Space in D.C. Free Office Space in State Free Parking on the Hill Office Expenses: $127,000 (House) $474,000 (Senate) Staff Salaries: $632,000 (House) $2 million (Senate) Several Free Trips Home Franking Privilege: mailing “official business” (not campaign business) for free. Full Access to the Congressional Gym and Spa Immunity from Lawsuits for anything you say when in Congress Inexpensive Health Care

10. Leadership in the House & Senate How things are done in the two chambers affects what is done in the two chambers. The House is four times as big as the Senate. How do you think this affects how things are done?

13. New Faces in the Crowd: House Majority Whip James Clyburn, S.C. 6 th District Terms in Office: 7 Previous Leadership: Chair of the Democratic House Caucus Caucus Chairman Rahm Emanuel, IL. 5 th District Terms in Office: 3 Previous Leadership: Chair of the Democratic Campaign Committee House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, MD 5 th District Terms in Office: 12 Previous Leadership: House Minority Whip

17. New Faces in the Crowd: Senator Specter (R) hands control of the Judiciary Committee to Senator Leahy (D). Senator Durbin (D) is the 2 nd highest ranking member of Congress.

18. Filibuster Strom Thurmond (1957) 24 hours against civil rights legislation Huey Long filibustered on behalf of the poor Is the filibuster democratic? We’ll debate this more in class! A senator refuses to give up the floor in order to prevent a vote. If 60 senators vote to end a filibuster, a vote must be held within 30 hours. (cloture)

19. Congressional Committees Letters Requesting Committee Assignments

20. Concern of the Congress: Full Scope of the Bill The Congress debates Concern of the Committee: The Details of the Bill “ Congress in session is Congress on display. Congress in committee is Congress at work.” President Woodrow Wilson

23. Criteria for Committee Assignments Party Loyalty: Essentially your voting record Seniority: Numbers of years of service on a particular committee Geography: Vacancies tend to be filled with people from the same states Attitude: Civil, cooperative & willing to compromise Preference: Senator Landrieu serves on Energy & Natural Resources, key issues for Louisiana