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Equal representation: Same number of representatives for each stateProportional representation: Number of representatives reflecting each state's population
Representing constituents' interestsWriting lawsOverseeing government agenciesPassing bills
Initiating tax laws and spending billsInitiating impeachment of government officialsDeciding presidential elections in case of no Electoral College majority
Approving presidential appointments and treatiesTrying impeached officials
TaxationCoining moneyDeclaring warRegulating foreign and interstate commerce
Bill origination in either houseCommittee reviewsAmendments and floor debatesVoting in both chambersPresidential approval or vetoPotential veto override (requires 2/3 majority in both houses)
Whose members are elected directly by the peopleThat balances the relationship between national power and individual states
Vice PresidentSpeaker of the HouseSenate President pro temporeCabinet members (in specified order)
Operates outside of elections and direct voter inputOnly acts when a valid case is brought forwardEvaluates constitutionality of laws to maintain checks and balances
Social Studies: 9/17/24
THIS TEXT IS FROM THE YT TRANSCRIPTS FROM THESE VIDEOS ⬇️⬇️⬇️
The United States Congress: Structure and Functions
The legislative branch of the United States government is comprised of the United States Congress, a bicameral legislature responsible for writing and passing federal laws, among various other functions.
Historical Background
During the drafting of the Constitution, the Founding Fathers debated between two types of representation:
Unable to choose, they settled on a compromise: a legislative branch with two houses, the House of Representatives and the Senate, which together form the Congress.
Constitutional Basis
Article I of the Constitution outlines the structure, functions, powers, and parameters of Congress and its individual representatives.
Primary Responsibilities of Congressmen
Structure of Congress
House of Representatives
Table 1
Number of Members
435 elected officials
Representation
Based on state population
Requirements
At least 25 years old, US resident for 7 years, live in represented state
Term Length
2 years
Leadership
Speaker of the House
There are no rows in this table
Exclusive Powers
Senate
Table 2
Number of Members
100 elected members (2 per state)
Representation
Equal for all states
Requirements
At least 30 years old, US resident for 9 years, live in represented state
Term Length
6 years
Leadership
Vice President of the United States (tie-breaking vote only)
There are no rows in this table
Exclusive Powers
Shared Powers
The Legislative Process
Getting a bill passed involves several steps:
Significance of Congress
Congress is unique in that it's the only branch of government:
This structure ensures a system of checks and balances, fostering a democratic process in lawmaking and governance.
The Three Branches of US Government
Table 3
Legislative
Executive
Judicial
Congress (House and Senate)
President and Cabinet
Supreme Court and Federal Courts
There are no rows in this table
Executive Branch: Presidential Powers and Responsibilities
Table 4
Power
Description
Executive Orders
Direct actions of executive branch members without Congressional approval
Vetoes
Reject legislation passed by Congress
Appointments
Nominate federal judges, cabinet members, and heads of federal agencies (with Senate confirmation)
Military
Serves as Commander-in-Chief
Foreign Relations
Negotiate treaties (with Senate ratification) and represent the nation globally
Pardons
Grant pardons and clemencies for federal crimes (except in impeachment cases)
There are no rows in this table
Presidential Succession
Checks and Balances
Table 5
Executive checks on Legislative
Legislative checks on Executive
Judicial checks on Executive
Veto power
Senate confirmation of appointments
Supreme Court can overturn executive orders
2/3 Senate vote to ratify treaties
There are no rows in this table
Presidential Eligibility and Terms
Table 6
Age
Citizenship
Residency
Term Limit
At least 35 years old
Natural born citizen
14 years US residency
Two 4-year terms (22nd Amendment, 1951)
There are no rows in this table
Presidential Election
The US elects a new president every four years through the Electoral College system. Voters choose electors who then cast votes on behalf of their state.
While the president's power has expanded as the United States has grown as a global force, the judicial and legislative branches continue to provide checks and balances, maintaining the balance of power envisioned by the founding fathers.
The Judicial Branch of the United States Government
The judicial branch, consisting of the Supreme Court and other federal courts, is responsible for interpreting the law and the Constitution.
Structure and Composition
Table 7
Supreme Court Justices
9 (since 1869)
Appointment Process
Nominated by President, confirmed by Senate
Term Length
Life tenure (until death, retirement, or impeachment)
Requirements
No specific constitutional requirements
There are no rows in this table
Powers and Responsibilities
Table 8
Primary Function
Rule on matters related to law and Constitution
Judicial Review
Interpret constitutionality of laws
Precedent Setting
Supreme Court decisions must be followed by all other courts
There are no rows in this table
Historical Significance
Table 9
Marbury v. Madison (1803)
Established judicial review power
Brown v. Board of Education (1954)
Ruled racial segregation in public schools unconstitutional
Plessy v. Ferguson (1896)
Previously upheld "separate but equal" doctrine (overturned by Brown v. Board)
There are no rows in this table
Unique Aspects of the Judicial Branch
This restructured format provides a clearer overview of the judicial branch, its structure, powers, and historical significance, using tables to organize key information.
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