Claim, Evidence, Reasoning Essay: The Role and Powers of Congress

Chapter 8-1 Members of Congress The primary role of Congress is to make laws. Laws set standards and policies for the nation. Through laws, congress addresses social, economic, and political issues. Members represent their constituents (people in their district or state). They balance national interests with local concerns. They advocate for specific communities or interest groups.

House of Representatives: based on state population. Each state has at least one representative. The number of congressional districts in a state depends on its population. After each census, districts may be redrawn, a process known as redistricting.

Senate: each state has two senators for equal representation. Representatives serve two-year terms. There is no limit to the number of terms they can serve, so they can run for re-election as many times as they choose. Senators serve six-year terms. Staggered Terms: Only one-third of the Senate is up for reelection every two years. This overlap ensures that the Senate maintains experienced members who provide stability and continuity in governance.

Representatives: A. Must be at least 25 years old. B. Must have been a U.S. citizen for at least 7 years. C. Must live in the state they represent.

Senators: A. Must be at least 30 years old. B. Must have been a U.S. citizen for at least 9 years. C. Must live in the state they represent.

A political party is a group with shared beliefs and goals. Parties work to influence government by electing candidates. Members often support their party's legislative agenda. Members may face conflicts between party stance and constituents' wishes. Personal beliefs can also influence their decisions. Balancing these interests can be difficult.

Interest groups offer data, research, and expertise on issues. They provide political support and mobilize voters. Funding through PACs can help members' campaigns. Interest groups advocate for specific causes or industries. They influence public policy and promote favorable laws. Examples include environmental and business groups.

Lobbyists are hired by interest groups to persuade Congress members. They present data and expert testimony to influence decisions. Lobbyists organize events and rally public support.

Influencing Factors: Constituent Needs: Lawmakers consider what their constituents want and need. Personal Beliefs: A member’s values and opinions can guide their decisions. Party Loyalty: Members may feel pressure to align with their political party’s platform. Interest Groups and Lobbyists: Input from these groups can sway decision-making, especially if it aligns with constituents’ needs.

Typical Duties of a member of Congress: Attend committee meetings and hearings to discuss proposed bills. Meet with constituents, lobbyists, and other officials to discuss issues and receive feedback. Participate in debates, vote on legislation, and collaborate with other members on future bills.

Chapter 8-2: The Powers of Congress A. Congressional Powers

1. Delegated Powers-powers given to federal govt. by the Constitution Can be split into 5 Categories -Financing the Government-Congress can raise and collect taxes, print money, and borrow money -Regulating and Encouraging trade and industry-Congress makes rules on trade between states and foreign countries, to help businesses and protect inventors rights -Defending the Country-Congress has the power to declare war and maintain armed forces -Creating Lower Courts-Congress has set up a system of national courts -Provide for Growth-Congress can pass laws to regulate immigration and naturalization
2. Implied Powers -Congress has been given the power to do any action relating to its delegated powers, that it considers “necessary and proper” EX: Congress established national military academies to train officers for the armed forces -Congress can “stretch” its delegated powers, so this is sometimes known as the Elastic Clause
3. Differing Powers in House and Senate · Impeachment power-Congress has the power to impeach federal officials charged with crimes, bringing them to trial -only 3 presidents have been impeached, Andrew Johnson, Bill Clinton, and Donald Trump · House of Representatives -All appropriation bills (bills having to do with raising money) must start in House -House has the power to impeach public officials -Can choose the president if no candidate receives a majority of electoral votes · Senate -All impeachment trials are held in the Senate -All treaties must be approved by a 2/3 votes -Certain high officials, such as Supreme Court Justices, appointed by the president must be approved by majority vote House is often the more active legislative body Senate is said to be the more deliberative and cautious body B. Limits on Powers • Some powers reserved for states- by the 10th Amendment Constitution specifically forbids Congress from…
4. Passing ex post facto laws- laws that apply to actions that occurred before the law was passed
5. Passing bills of attainder- laws that sentence people to prison without trial
6. Suspending the writ of habeas corpus-hold you in jail without a charge
7. Taxing exports
8. Passing laws that violate the Bill of Rights
9. Favoring one state over another
10. Granting titles of nobility
11. Withdrawing money without a law