1. Identify and explain the organization of the Legislature
The legislative branch consists of the senate and the house of representatives.The House of Representatives is made up of 435 elected members, divided among the 50 states based on their total population. While, the senate consists of 100 members, 2 per state regardless of population size.Members of the House are elected every two years and must be 25 years of age, a U.S. citizen for at least seven years, and a resident of the state. Members of the senate are elected every six years and they must be at least 30 years old, a U.S. citizen for at least nine years.
2. Identify and provide an example of the powers of the Legislature, both formal and informal.
The legislative branch has the power to
Congress shares powers with the other branches in order to form a government with a balance of powers. This is established through checks and balances. Congress's checks on the other branches include power of the purse and its power to legislate. Congress drafts and discusses bills and laws, however, the president has the power to veto any law he doesn't agree with. In addition, through judicial review, the judiciary can mark any law unconstitutional and therefore invalid. Lastly, the bureaucracy makes the rules and regulations for a given law.
4. Discuss the implications of Congress sharing powers with each of the following: Executive, Judiciary, and bureaucracy.
Through shared powers, the legislative process is prolonged. For a bill to be passed it must go through the house and the senate, then the president and if it is challenged the judiciary and the bureaucracy. This extends the time it takes for a law to be passed and at any time if a bill is shot down that congress supports the strenuous process of amending the constitution is initiated.
5. Discuss the functions that Congress performs.
The functions of congress are lawmaking, representing the people, performing oversight, helping constituents, and educating the public.
6. Identify how the power of the Congress has/may evolve gradually.
The power of congress has gradually evolved in which when the constitution was first created congress was made to be a hub for starting and finishing everything, now congress has passed more of its power to the president and other branches. this is because congress can only do so much, with its leniency and passing of power, government can work more efficiently.
7. Identify how the power of the Congress has/may changes dramatically as a result of crisis.
In a time of extreme crisis, congressional power increased substantially. Government intervention in the economy, world affairs, or public policy increases in times of stress. However, this power is usually deferred to the president. For example, on September 11 congress deferred to the bush administration to reach out to the public and discuss or create a solution or response to the terrorism of the time.
8. Identify and discuss the ties between the Congress and political parties.
Congress is the branch that is influenced most by political parties. Because congressmen have relatively short terms, they are influenced immensely by external factors. Political parties guide a member of congress on how they are to vote, this is because without party loyalty reelection isn't likely. Because of our two party system, flouters or flip floppers are heavily discouraged and deemed as risky. Political parties invest their money, time, and votes on those who will benefit the party.
9. Identify and discuss the ties between the Congress and interest groups.
Interest groups fund congressmen's campaign and try to influence public policy. They support and rally votes for members that support their political agenda in order to promote desired policies. Also, interest groups act as the voice of the public or different groups in society. In doing this issues on both sides of a bill are raised, that influence politics.
10. Identify and discuss the ties between the Congress and media
Congress is heavily influenced by the media. The news and the topics in which people or society is concerned about is reflected in social media, television, radio and more. And when members of congress notice particular topics or issues seem to be of heavy concern they develop an opinion in order to gain votes and support for incumbency.
11. Identify and discuss the ties between the Congress and state and local governments.
"Powers not granted to the federal government are reserved for states and the people, which are divided between state and local governments. " Congress holds the powers it was granted in the constitution and powers it is granted by applying the constitution;however, all other powers are reserved to the states. The states have the right to reserve numerous powers. Local governments function to provide small things such as police departments and schools. These powers are granted to the states because congress has enough on its hands.
The legislative branch consists of the senate and the house of representatives.The House of Representatives is made up of 435 elected members, divided among the 50 states based on their total population. While, the senate consists of 100 members, 2 per state regardless of population size.Members of the House are elected every two years and must be 25 years of age, a U.S. citizen for at least seven years, and a resident of the state. Members of the senate are elected every six years and they must be at least 30 years old, a U.S. citizen for at least nine years.
2. Identify and provide an example of the powers of the Legislature, both formal and informal.
The legislative branch has the power to
- to levy and collect taxes;
- to borrow money for the public treasury;
- to make rules and regulations governing commerce among the states and with foreign countries;
- to make uniform rules for the naturalization of foreign citizens;
- to coin money, state its value, and provide for the punishment of counterfeiters;
- to set the standards for weights and measures;
- to establish bankruptcy laws for the country as a whole;
- to establish post offices and post roads;
- to issue patents and copyrights;
- to set up a system of federal courts;
- to punish piracy;
- to declare war;
- to raise and support armies;
- to provide for a navy;
- to call out the militia to enforce federal laws, suppress lawlessness or repel invasions by foreign powers;
- to make all laws for the District of Columbia
- to make all laws necessary to enforce the Constitution
Congress shares powers with the other branches in order to form a government with a balance of powers. This is established through checks and balances. Congress's checks on the other branches include power of the purse and its power to legislate. Congress drafts and discusses bills and laws, however, the president has the power to veto any law he doesn't agree with. In addition, through judicial review, the judiciary can mark any law unconstitutional and therefore invalid. Lastly, the bureaucracy makes the rules and regulations for a given law.
4. Discuss the implications of Congress sharing powers with each of the following: Executive, Judiciary, and bureaucracy.
Through shared powers, the legislative process is prolonged. For a bill to be passed it must go through the house and the senate, then the president and if it is challenged the judiciary and the bureaucracy. This extends the time it takes for a law to be passed and at any time if a bill is shot down that congress supports the strenuous process of amending the constitution is initiated.
5. Discuss the functions that Congress performs.
The functions of congress are lawmaking, representing the people, performing oversight, helping constituents, and educating the public.
6. Identify how the power of the Congress has/may evolve gradually.
The power of congress has gradually evolved in which when the constitution was first created congress was made to be a hub for starting and finishing everything, now congress has passed more of its power to the president and other branches. this is because congress can only do so much, with its leniency and passing of power, government can work more efficiently.
7. Identify how the power of the Congress has/may changes dramatically as a result of crisis.
In a time of extreme crisis, congressional power increased substantially. Government intervention in the economy, world affairs, or public policy increases in times of stress. However, this power is usually deferred to the president. For example, on September 11 congress deferred to the bush administration to reach out to the public and discuss or create a solution or response to the terrorism of the time.
8. Identify and discuss the ties between the Congress and political parties.
Congress is the branch that is influenced most by political parties. Because congressmen have relatively short terms, they are influenced immensely by external factors. Political parties guide a member of congress on how they are to vote, this is because without party loyalty reelection isn't likely. Because of our two party system, flouters or flip floppers are heavily discouraged and deemed as risky. Political parties invest their money, time, and votes on those who will benefit the party.
9. Identify and discuss the ties between the Congress and interest groups.
Interest groups fund congressmen's campaign and try to influence public policy. They support and rally votes for members that support their political agenda in order to promote desired policies. Also, interest groups act as the voice of the public or different groups in society. In doing this issues on both sides of a bill are raised, that influence politics.
10. Identify and discuss the ties between the Congress and media
Congress is heavily influenced by the media. The news and the topics in which people or society is concerned about is reflected in social media, television, radio and more. And when members of congress notice particular topics or issues seem to be of heavy concern they develop an opinion in order to gain votes and support for incumbency.
11. Identify and discuss the ties between the Congress and state and local governments.
"Powers not granted to the federal government are reserved for states and the people, which are divided between state and local governments. " Congress holds the powers it was granted in the constitution and powers it is granted by applying the constitution;however, all other powers are reserved to the states. The states have the right to reserve numerous powers. Local governments function to provide small things such as police departments and schools. These powers are granted to the states because congress has enough on its hands.