American Government

Chapter 5 – Role and Powers of Congress5-1 Role of Congress

Role of Congress

• What influences how members of Congress vote??

• What purpose do congressional investigations serve??

• Why is it important for members of Congress to serve their constituents?

CA Standards:

12.7 Students analyze and compare the powers and procedures of the national, state, tribal, and local governments

Objectives:

Homework

Read pages 98- 104Holt American GovernmentPrepare for Open notebook Quiz

Write definition of terms under Political Dictionary found on page 98 of textbook

CensusApportionGerrymanderingFranking PrivilegeImmunity

Role of Congress

Terms & Names pages 93

Constituent

Interest Group

Political Action Committee

Oversight

Role of Congress

Main Idea Congress has three key roles. Its main role is to legislate, or

to make laws. To decide how to vote on laws, members of Congress consider four factors: their own personal beliefs, their constituents’ interest, interest groups’ concerns, and political party loyalty.

Congress also oversees the performance of government agencies by conducting investigations through congressional oversight.

Finally, Congress provides services to its constituents.

5-1 Section Review1. How do constituents, interest groups, and

political parties influence how members of Congress vote on legislation?

- Constituents voice approval or disapproval

- Constituents may vote against a member based on policy.

- Interest groups provide information, organize constituents, and raise money.

- Political parties provide assistance, publicity, and funding for party members.

5-1 Section Review2. What role do members’ personal beliefs

play on how they vote on legislation?

Sometimes, a congressperson will support or vote against legislation, even if it is contrary to the wishes of most constituents.

5-1 Section Review3. On what types of issues do congressional

investigations tend to focus?

Congressional investigations tend to focus on scandals or problems with government programs. Budget restraints also require closer scrutiny of government programs.

*special note – Elected officials often benefit with publicity from their involvement in some investigations.

5-1 Section Review4. How do constituents’ requests help

members of Congress perform their jobs?

Patterns of requests may alert representatives to problems in specific programs.

Be prepared for open notebook quiz