where does the executive branch of government get its power? name three important duties of the...
TRANSCRIPT
Where does the Executive Branch of government get its power?
Name three important duties of the Executive Branch of Government.
Why do you think some agencies of the Executive Branch need to be independent of politics???
First Five ISNp6L
Legislative Branch
Article 1 of the Constitution sets up the Legislative Branch granting it the power to make the laws for our nation.
Congress bicameral
(divided into two houses)
Senate House of Representatives
Sessions begin January 3rd of the year after the election and usually end the November before the election. (Lame Duck Sessions)
The SenateUpper House of Congress100 senators total (2 per state)6 year termsMust be
at least 30 years oldU.S. citizen for at least 9
yearsresident of the state they
represent1/3 is up for election every 2 years
The Senate LeadershipPresident of the Senate votes only to break tiesVice President of the United Statesmay not speak or debate
President pro temporehighest ranking senatorserves as president if VP is not thereelected by Senatemember of the Majority Party
Joe Biden
Patrick Leahy
Minority LeaderSaid to be the “real” leader of the
Senate
The Senate Leadership
Majority Leader
Harry Reid (D) Mitch McConnell (R)
Current U.S. Senators 53 Democrats 47 Republicans + 2 Independents100 Total Senators
John Cornyn (R)Finance and Judiciary
Committees
Ted Cruz (R)Serves on 7 different
Committees
The House of RepresentativesLower House of Congress435 Congressman total (# based
on population in state/changed after each census –around every 10 years)
2 year termsMust be
at least 25 years oldU.S. citizen for at least 7
yearsresident of the state they
represent
The House LeadershipSpeaker of the House
of Representativeselected by the House
every new CongressResponsibilities
include:acknowledges
people who want to speak
signs billsappoints
committeescalls a vote
John Boehner (R)
Current U.S. Congressmen
There are currently 31 Congressman from Texas.
California has the most with 53.
7 states have only 1. Congress also has 6
non voting members234 Republicans201 Democrats
Pete Olson (R) 22nd District
Energy & Commerce Committee.
Interesting Fact: Congressman Olson has been the keynote speaker at a BMS
Career Day.
Powers are either expressed (specifically listed) or implied (used to carry out is expressed powers) in the U.S. Constitution.
Congressional Powers
Charge and collect taxesRaise and maintain militaryGrant statehoodControl national landsRegulate interstate tradeNaturalize citizensDeclare warControl making currencyControl the budgetBorrow $$Veto override 2/3 majority of both
houses
Be present for the State of the Union Address
Congressional Joint Powers
Interesting Facts:1. Only 5 declared
wars in the history of the US
2. The military has acted without congressional involvement over 125 times.
3. Authority over the military is a primary responsibility of the executive branch.
Don’t forget…their main job is to make laws!
Press Here
Confirm Presidential appointeesFederal judges (including Supreme
Court)Cabinet membersHead of Federal Agencies
Approve/reject treatiesJury for impeachment trial
Powers reserved for the Senate
John Kerry approved as
our new Secretary of
State.
President Clinton was
impeached for giving false testimony to
Congress among other
things.
Originates money bills (taxes)
Begins impeachment process
Elects President if Electoral College fails to do so
Powers reserved for the House
Making Things Happen (or not)…Actions happen
because…Desire to do the right
thingLogrolling
-you scratch my back/I’ll scratch yours
Party controls both houses
Desire for re-election
Inactions happen because…
Divided congress-filibustering – Sen. Strom Thurmond; 24 hrs; Civil Rights Act of 1957
Lame duck statusPartisan bickeringDesire re-election
-change vote to get votes-avoid looking bad
It was designed this way
Perks that come with the job…Salary of $174,000+ per year (Leadership
roles earn more…SoH = $223,500 per year)Generous retirement and benefits (health
care)Two offices – D.C. and Home DistrictStaff members at both officesFranking privileges – work-related mail is
FREEAssorted perks; no petty misdemeanors