Identify and explain the organization of the Legislature
The legislative branch of the United States consists of the House of Representatives and the Senate and together, they make up Congress. The House is made up of 435 elected members among the 50 states. The amount of representatives from each state is dependent upon its population. The presiding officer for the chambers is the Speaker of the House and he would be third in line of succession to presidency. The Senate is made up of exactly 100 members. Each state would have the same amount of representatives which is 2. The vice president of the United States would serve as the president of the Senate.
Identify and provide an example of the powers of the Legislature, both formal and informal.
The Legislative branch is responsible for suggesting, forming, and passing laws. Senate has the power to consent to treaties as a precondition to their ratification. They can consent or confirm appointments of Cabinet secretaries, federal judges, other federal executive officials, and military officers. They can also conduct impeachment of trials of federal officials. The House can initiate revenue bills, impeach officials, and elect the president when there is a tie in the electoral college.
Identify and explain how Congress shares powers with the Executive, Judiciary, and bureaucracy.
Congress is in charge of making the laws whereas the judicial branch reviews them and the executive branch enforces them. Congress has the right to ratify any treaties that the president signs and if he does not comply, Congress has the right to cut off funds. President is Commander in Chief but Congress sets the budget. President can veto bills that Congress pass but Congress can also override a veto from the president with 2/3 majority. Legislatures have the ability to impeach executive and judicial officials.
Discuss the implications of Congress sharing powers with each of the following: Executive, Judiciary, and bureaucracy.
There are different committees in the Senate and the House of Representatives. Standing committees generally have legislative jurisdiction. Subcommittees handle specific areas of the committee's work. Select and Joint committees generally handle oversight or housekeeping responsibilities. All members of the House consider and amend bills including non-voting members and the judicial branch gets to decide whether it is constitutional or not. Standing committees oversee departments and agencies of the executive branch and have power to hold hearings and subpoena evidence.
Discuss the functions that Congress performs.
Congress has five main functions: lawmaking, representing the people, performing oversight, helping constituents, and educating the public. Many bills considered by Congress originate in the executive branch but only Congress can create laws. Congress members represent constituents from their districts. They would support legislation that would help their districts. Congress also engages in public education by informing the public about issues and what Congress intends to do about them.
Identify how the power of the Congress has/may evolve gradually.
The power of Congress has changed dramatically through the necessary and proper clause which gives Congress any more deemed necessary to carry on its duties as stated by the constitution. Although Congress has more power through this clause, the Supreme Court may deem a an action unconstitutional if it violates any of the rules.
Identify how the power of the Congress has/may changes dramatically as a result of crisis.
The power of Congress has changed dramatically as a result of a crisis as exemplified by the National Emergencies Act which was enacted in 1976 to stop open-ended states of national emergency and formalize the power of Congress and perform its job of conducting checks and balances on the executive branch.
Identify and discuss the ties between the Congress and political parties.
The ties between Congress and political parties is evident through how quickly bills are passed based on which political party each Senator or Representative are a part of. Also, the cooperation between the current president and the majority of the Senate or the House will show how effective the government is at passing legislation.
Identify and discuss the ties between the Congress and interest groups.
The ties between Congress and interests groups are shown through lobbying and how they try to influence Senators or Representatives to back them on a bill that would benefit themselves or people within their districts.
Identify and discuss the ties between the Congress and media.
Congress and the media both influence each other because the media decides what they want to tell the general population about what is new legislation being passed or vetoed. Also, the media can make decisions on how they provide the information as exemplified through FOX News or CNN.
Identify and discuss the ties between the Congress and state and local governments.
The ties between Congress and the state and local governments are exemplified through there cooperation with political issues that their constituents are facing. Also, gerrymandering is another factor that affects Congress because if the state lines are drawn to favor a certain party, then that party will be more prevalent in the House of Representatives.