Difference Between Vote Aye and Yea in House of Representatives

The House of Representatives

The United states of america Business firm of Representatives is one of the two houses of the U.s.a. Congress.

Learning Objectives

Discuss the organizational structure of the Firm of Representatives and the qualifications for its members

Key Takeaways

Cardinal Points

• The major power of the House is to laissez passer federal legislation that affects the entire state although its bills must besides be passed past the Senate and further agreed to by the U.Due south. President before becoming law.
• Each U.S. state is represented in the House in proportion to its population but is entitled to at least ane representative. The most populous country, California, currently has 53 representatives.
• In some states, the Republican and Democratic parties choose their candidates for each district in their political conventions in jump or early summer, which often apply unanimous voice votes to reverberate either confidence in the incumbent or considering of bargaining in earlier private discussions.
• The Business firm uses committees and their subcommittees for a variety of purposes, including the review of bills and the oversight of the executive branch. The entire Business firm formally makes the appointment of committee members, but the selection of members is actually made by the political parties.
• The Constitution empowers the House of Representatives to impeach federal officials for treason, bribery, or other high crimes and misdemeanors and empowers the Senate to try such impeachment.

Key Terms

• impeachment: the act of impeaching a public official, either elected or appointed, before a tribunal charged with determining the facts of the matter.

The House of Representatives

Background

The United states of america House of Representatives is 1 of the two houses of the United States Congress (bicameral legislature). It is often referred to equally the House. The other business firm is the Senate.

United states of america Congress in Present Times: Using Weber's theory of stratification, members of the U.South. Congress are at the meridian of the social hierarchy because they have high ability and status, despite having relatively niggling wealth on average.

The composition and powers of the Firm are established in Article ane of the United states of america Constitution. The major power of the Business firm is to pass federal legislation that affects the unabridged country although its bills must also be passed past the Senate and further agreed to by the U.s.a. President before becoming law (unless both the Firm and Senate re-laissez passer the legislation with a two-thirds majority in each sleeping accommodation). The Business firm has several exclusive powers: the ability to initiate acquirement bills, to impeach officials, and to elect the President in instance there is no majority in the Electoral College.

Each U.S. land is represented in the Business firm in proportion to its population but is entitled to at least ane representative. The most populous land, California, currently has 53 representatives. Police force fixes the total number of voting representatives at 435. Each representative serves for a two-twelvemonth term. The Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, who presides over the chamber, is elected by the members of the House, and is therefore traditionally the leader of the Business firm Democratic Caucus or the Firm Republican Conference, whichever of the two Congressional Membership Organizations has more (voting) members.

Circulation

The population of U.S. Representatives is allocated to each of the 50 states and DC, ranked by population. DC (ranked 50) receives no seats in the House. Under Commodity I, Section 2 of the Constitution, population, as determined by the demography conducted every 10 years, apportions seats in the House of Representatives among the states. Each state, however, is entitled to at least one Representative.

Qualifications

Article I, Section 2 of the Constitution sets iii qualifications for representatives. Each representative must: (1) be at to the lowest degree twenty-5 years old; (2) have been a citizen of the United states of america for the by seven years; and (3) exist (at the fourth dimension of the ballot ) an inhabitant of the country they stand for. Members are not required to alive in the commune they represent, but they traditionally do. The age and citizenship qualifications for representatives are less than those for senators. The constitutional requirements of Article I, Section 2 for election to Congress is the maximum requirements that can exist imposed on a candidate. Therefore, Commodity I, Section five, which permits each Firm to exist the judge of the qualifications of its own members does non let either House to establish additional qualifications. Likewise, a land could not establish additional qualifications.

Demographics

Congress is constantly changing, constantly in flux. In recent times, the American south and west accept gained House seats according to demographic changes recorded by the census and includes more minorities and women although both groups are yet underrepresented, according to one view. While power balances among the unlike parts of regime continue to alter, the internal structure of Congress is important to empathise along with its interactions with and so-chosen intermediary institutions such equally political parties, civic associations, interest groups, and the mass media.

Elections

Elections for representatives are held in every even-numbered year, on Election Twenty-four hour period the kickoff Tuesday after the offset Monday in November. Representatives must exist elected from single-fellow member districts past plurality voting.

In most states, major party candidates for each district are nominated in partisan principal elections, typically held in spring to late summertime. In some states, the Republican and Democratic parties cull their respective candidates for each district in their political conventions in bound or early summer. They oft use unanimous vox votes to reflect either confidence in the incumbent or as the result of bargaining in earlier private discussions.

Representatives and Delegates serve ii-year terms, while the Resident Commissioner serves for iv years. The Constitution permits the House to expel a member with a ii-thirds vote. In the history of the United States, only five members have been expelled from the House.

The Senate

The Senate is composed of two senators from each state who are granted exclusive powers to ostend appointments and place holds on laws.

Learning Objectives

Summarize the powers accorded the Senate and the qualifications ready for Senators

Cardinal Takeaways

Key Points

• The limerick and powers of the Senate are established in Article I of the U.S. Constitution. 2 senators, regardless of population, correspond each U.S. state. Senators serve staggered six-year terms.
• It has the power to consent to treaties equally a precondition to their ratification and consenting or confirming appointments of Cabinet secretaries, federal judges, other federal executive officials, armed services officers, regulatory officials, ambassadors, and other federal uniformed officers.
• The Constitution stipulates that no constitutional amendment may be created to deprive a land of its equal suffrage in the Senate without that country's consent.
• Senators serve terms of six years each; the terms are staggered so that approximately 1-tertiary of the seats are up for election every two years.
• Senate procedure depends not only on the rules, but also on a variety of customs and traditions. The Senate commonly waives some of its stricter rules by unanimous consent. Party leaders typically negotiate unanimous consent agreements beforehand.

Primal Terms

• cloture: In legislative assemblies that permit unlimited contend (filibuster); a motion, process or rule, by which fence is ended and so that a vote may be taken on the affair. For example, in the United States Senate, a three-fifths bulk vote of the torso is required to invoke cloture and terminate fence.
• bicameral: Having, or pertaining to, two dissever legislative chambers or houses.

Background

The U.s. Senate is the upper house of the bicameral legislature of the United states of america, and together with the United states of america House of Representatives comprises the Usa Congress. The limerick and powers of the Senate are established in Article One of the U.S. Constitution. Two senators, regardless of population, represent each U.S. state. Senators serve staggered six-twelvemonth terms. The bedchamber of the Usa Senate is located in the north wing of the Capitol, in Washington, D.C., the national capital.

Capitol-Senate: The Senate's side of the Capitol Building in Washington D.C.

The Senate has several sectional powers not granted to the House. These include the power to consent to treaties equally a precondition to their ratification. The senate may as well consent to or confirm the appointment of Chiffonier secretaries, federal judges, other federal executive officials, military officers, regulatory officials, ambassadors, and other federal uniformed officers. The Senate is besides responsible for trying federal officials impeached by the House.

The Constitution stipulates that no constitutional amendment may exist created to deprive a state of its equal suffrage in the Senate without that state's consent. The District of Columbia and all other territories (including territories, protectorates, etc. ) are not entitled to representation in either House of the Congress. The Commune of Columbia elects two shadow senators, but they are officials of the D.C. city government and non members of the U.Southward. Senate. The United States has had fifty states since 1959, thus the Senate has had 100 senators since 1959.

Qualifications

Article I, Section 3 of the Constitution sets three qualifications for senators: 1) they must be at least thirty years old, 2) they must accept been citizens of the U.s.a. for at least the past nine years, and three) they must exist inhabitants of the states they seek to represent at the time of their election. The age and citizenship qualifications for senators are more stringent than those for representatives. In Federalist No. 62, James Madison justified this system by arguing that the "senatorial trust" called for a "greater extent of information and stability of character. "

The Fourteenth Subpoena to the United States Constitution disqualifies from the Senate any federal or land officers who had taken the requisite oath to support the Constitution, just subsequently engaged in rebellion or aided the enemies of the Us. This provision, which came into strength soon after the end of the Civil War, was intended to prevent those who had sided with the Confederacy from serving.

Term and Elections

Senators serve terms of six years each. The terms are staggered so that approximately one-third of the seats are upwardly for ballot every two years. This was achieved by dividing the senators of the 1^st Congress into thirds (chosen classes), where the terms of one-third expired later on two years, the terms of another 3rd expired after 4, and the terms of the last third expired after six years. This arrangement was also followed subsequently the admission of new states into the matrimony. The staggering of terms has been bundled such that both seats from a given land are non contested in the same general election, except when a mid-term vacancy is being filled. Electric current senators whose 6-year terms expire on January 3, 2013, belong to Class I.

Daily Procedures

Senate process depends non only on the rules, but also on a variety of customs and traditions. The Senate commonly waives some of its stricter rules past unanimous consent. Party leaders typically negotiate unanimous consent agreements beforehand. A senator may block such an agreement, but in exercise, objections are rare. The presiding officer enforces the rules of the Senate, and may warn members who deviate from them. The presiding officer sometimes uses the gavel of the Senate to maintain order.

A "hold" is placed when the leader's function is notified that a senator intends to object to a request for unanimous consent from the Senate to consider or pass a measure. A concur may exist placed for whatsoever reason and can be lifted by a senator at whatever time. A senator may place a hold simply to review a nib, to negotiate changes to the bill, or to impale the bill. A bill tin can be held for as long equally the senator who objects to the nib wishes to block its consideration.

Holds can be overcome, but require time-consuming procedures such as filing cloture. Holds are considered private communications between a senator and the Leader, and are sometimes referred to as "underground holds". A senator may disembalm that he or she has placed a concord.

The House and the Senate: Differences in Responsibilities and Representation

The US Congress is equanimous of the House of Representatives and the Senate, which differ in representation, term length, ability, and prestige.

Learning Objectives

Compare and contrast the structure and limerick of the House and Senate

Primal Takeaways

Key Points

• Congress is split into two chambers—the Business firm of Representatives and Senate. Congress writes national legislation by dividing piece of work into separate committees which specialize in different areas. Some members of Congress are elected by their peers to be officers of these committees.
• The disparity betwixt the virtually and least populous states has grown since the Connecticut Compromise, which granted each state ii members of the Senate and at to the lowest degree i fellow member of the Firm of Representatives, for a total minimum of three presidential Electors, regardless of population.
• The Senate has several distinct powers. The "advice and consent " powers, such equally the ability to approve treaties, are a sole Senate privilege. The House, however, tin can initiate spending bills and has exclusive authority to impeach officials and choose the President in an Electoral College deadlock.
• The Senate and House are further differentiated by term lengths and the number of districts represented. With longer terms, fewer members and (in all but seven delegations) larger constituencies, senators may receive greater prestige.

Fundamental Terms

• gerrymandering: The practice of redrawing balloter districts to gain an electoral reward for a political party.
• apportionment: Information technology is the procedure of allocating the political power of a set of constituent voters amongst their representatives in a governing body.

Background

Congress is separate into two chambers: the House of Representatives and the Senate. Congress writes national legislation by dividing work into separate committees which specialize in dissimilar areas. Some members of Congress are elected by their peers to exist officers of these committees. Ancillary organizations such as the Regime Accountability Function and the Library of Congress provide Congress with information, and members of Congress take staff and offices to assistance them. Additionally, a vast industry of lobbyists helps members write legislation on behalf of various corporate and labor interests.

Senate Apportionment and Representation

The Constitution stipulates that no constitutional amendment may be created to deprive a state of its equal suffrage in the Senate without that state's consent. The District of Columbia and all other territories (including territories, protectorates, etc.) are not entitled to representation in either House of the Congress. The Commune of Columbia elects two shadow senators, just they are officials of the D.C. urban center government and non members of the U.S. Senate. The Usa has had 50 states since 1959, so the Senate has had 100 senators since 1959.

The disparity between the most and least populous states has grown since the Connecticut Compromise, which granted each state two members of the Senate and at least i member of the House of Representatives, for a total minimum of 3 presidential Electors, regardless of population. This ways some citizens are finer an guild of magnitude better represented in the Senate than those in other states. For example, in 1787, Virginia had roughly ten times the population of Rhode Island. Today, California has roughly lxx times the population of Wyoming, based on the 1790 and 2000 censuses. Seats in the House of Representatives are approximately proportionate to the population of each land, reducing the disparity of representation.

House of Representatives Apportionment and Representation

Under Article I, Section 2 of the Constitution, seats in the House of Representatives are apportioned amid the states past population, as adamant by the census conducted every ten years. Each state, however, is entitled to at least one Representative.

The merely ramble dominion relating to the size of the Firm reads, "The Number of Representatives shall not exceed one for every xxx Thousand. Congress regularly increased the size of the House to business relationship for population growth until it fixed the number of voting Firm members at 435 in 1911. The number was temporarily increased to 437 in 1959 upon the admission of Alaska and Hawaii, seating one representative from each of those states without changing existing apportionment, and returned to 435 four years later, after the reapportionment consistent to the 1960 census.

The Constitution does not provide for the representation of the Commune of Columbia or territories. The District of Columbia and the territories of American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and the U.South. Virgin Islands are represented by 1 non-voting consul each. Puerto Rico elects a Resident Commissioner, but other than having a iv-twelvemonth term, the Resident Commissioner's role is identical to the delegates from the other territories. The five Delegates and Resident Commissioner may participate in debates. Prior to 2011, they were also allowed to vote in committees and the Committee of the Whole when their votes would not be decisive.

States that are entitled to more than 1 Representative are divided into single-member districts. This has been a federal statutory requirement since 1967. Prior to that constabulary, full general ticket representation was used by some states. Typically, states redraw these commune lines after each demography, though they may do so at other times. Each land determines its own district boundaries, either through legislation or through non- partisan panels. Asymmetry in representatives is unconstitutional and districts must exist approximately equal in. The Voting Rights Act prohibits states from gerrymandering districts.

Gerrymandering Comparison: In this example, the more even distribution is on the left and the gerrymandered distribution is on the right.

Comparison to the Senate

As a check on the popularly elected House, the Senate has several distinct powers. For example, the "communication and consent" powers are a sole Senate privilege. The Firm, however, tin initiate spending bills and has exclusive potency to impeach officials and choose the President in an Electoral College deadlock. The Senate and House are further differentiated by term lengths and the number of districts represented. Unlike the Senate, the House is more than hierarchically organized, with leadership roles such as the Whips and the Minority and Majority leaders playing a bigger office. Moreover, the procedure of the Business firm depends not only on the rules, but besides on a diverseness of customs, precedents, and traditions. In many cases, the House waives some of its stricter rules (including time limits on debates) past unanimous consent. With longer terms, fewer members and (in all but seven delegations) larger constituencies, senators may receive greater prestige. The Senate has traditionally been considered a less partisan chamber because it's relatively small membership might have a better chance to banker compromises.

The Legislative Function

The House and Senate are equal partners in the legislative process; legislation cannot be enacted without the consent of both chambers.

Learning Objectives

Differentiate between the powers granted by the Constitution to the Business firm and Senate

Fundamental Takeaways

Fundamental Points

• Article I of the Constitution states all legislative powers herein granted shall be vested in a Congress of the United States, which shall consist of a Senate and a House of Representatives. Both are equal partners in the legislative process; legislation can't exist enacted without both their consent.
• Congress has implied powers deriving from the Constitution's Necessary and Proper Clause which let Congress to "make all laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into execution the foregoing powers, and all other powers vested by this Constitution…".
• Legislative, oversight, and internal authoritative tasks are divided among about two hundred committees and subcommittees which gather information, evaluate alternatives, and identify bug.

Central Terms

• Necessary and Proper Clause: the provision in Article I of the The states Constitution, section 8, clause 18, which states that Congress has the power "to brand all Laws which shall be necessary and proper" for executing its duties
• featherbed: Information technology is to avoid an obstruction etc, past constructing or using a bypass.
• legislative: That co-operative of government which is responsible for making, or having the power to make, a law or laws.

Background

Article I of the Constitution states all legislative powers herein granted shall be vested in a Congress of the U.s., which shall consist of a Senate and a House of Representatives. The House and Senate are equal partners in the legislative process—legislation cannot exist enacted without the consent of both chambers. Yet, the Constitution grants each chamber some unique powers. The Senate ratifies treaties and approves presidential appointments while the House initiates revenue-raising bills. The Firm initiates impeachment cases, while the Senate decides impeachment cases. A two-thirds vote of the Senate is required earlier an impeached person can be forcibly removed from function.

Congress has implied powers deriving from the Constitution'due south Necessary and Proper Clause which let Congress to "make all laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into execution the foregoing powers, and all other powers vested by this Constitution in the authorities of the United States, or in any department or officer thereof. " Broad interpretations of this clause and of the Commerce Clause, the enumerated power to regulate commerce, in rulings such as McCulloch v Maryland have effectively widened the telescopic of Congress'south legislative authorization far beyond that prescribed in Section 8.

Congress Overseeing the Executive Branch

One of Congress's foremost not-legislative functions is the ability to investigate and oversee the executive co-operative. Congressional oversight is unremarkably delegated to committees and is facilitated past Congress's amendment power. Some critics have charged that Congress has, in some instances, failed to exercise an adequate chore of overseeing the other branches of government. In the Plame affair, critics, including Representative Henry A. Waxman, charged that Congress was not doing an adequate task of oversight in this instance. There have been concerns most congressional oversight of executive actions such every bit warrantless wiretapping, although others answer that Congress did investigate the legality of presidential decisions.

Congress also has the exclusive ability of removal, assuasive impeachment and removal of the president, federal judges and other federal officers. At that place have been charges that presidents interim under the doctrine of the unitary executive accept assumed important legislative and budgetary powers that should belong to Congress. So-called 'signing statements' are one way in which a president can "tip the residue of power between Congress and the White Business firm a little more in favor of the executive branch," according to one account. By presidents, including Ronald Reagan, George H. Due west. Bush, Neb Clinton, and George W. Bush have made public statements when signing congressional legislation about how they understand a bill or plan to execute information technology, and commentators including the American Bar Association have described this practise as against the spirit of the Constitution. There have been concerns that presidential authority to cope with fiscal crises is eclipsing the power of Congress

The impeachment trial of President Clinton: Floor proceedings of the U.S. Senate, in session during the impeachment trial of Bill Clinton.

Power in Committees

Committees write legislation. While procedures such as the House discharge petition process can introduce bills to the House flooring and effectively bypass commission input, they are exceedingly difficult to implement without committee action. Committees accept power and accept been called ' independent fiefdoms'. Legislative, oversight, and internal administrative tasks are divided among about two hundred committees and subcommittees which gather information, evaluate alternatives, and identify problems. They advise solutions for consideration by the full bedroom. They too perform the function of oversight by monitoring the executive branch and investigating wrongdoing.

Bills and resolutions

In order to form a pecker or resolution, outset the House Financial Services commission meets. Commission members sit down in the tiers of raised chairs, while those testifying and audience members sit below. Ideas for legislation tin can come from members, lobbyists, state legislatures, constituents, legislative counsel, or executive agencies. Usually, the next step is for the proposal to be passed to a committee for review. A submitted proposal unremarkably takes 1 of the following forms:

• A neb, which is a police in the making.
• A joint resolution, which differs little from a nib since both are treated similarly. Nevertheless, a articulation resolution originates from the Firm.
• A Concurrent Resolutions, which affects both House and Senate and thus are not presented to the president for approval subsequently.
• Simple resolutions, which business organization only the Firm or only the Senate.

The Representation Part

A compromise plan was adopted where representatives were called past the population and ii senators were chosen by land governments.

Learning Objectives

Describe the effect of the Connecticut Compromise

Primal Takeaways

Cardinal Points

• Since 1787, the population disparity between big and small states has grown. For instance, in 2006 California had lxx times the population of Wyoming.
• Critics, such as constitutional scholar Sanford Levinson, accept suggested that the population disparity works against residents of large states and causes a steady redistribution of resources from large states to small states.
• The Connecticut Compromise gave every state, large and small-scale, an equal vote in the Senate. Since each state has two senators, residents of smaller states have more clout in the Senate than residents of larger states.
• Providing services helps members of Congress win votes because elections can make a difference in close races. Congressional staff can help citizens navigate regime bureaucracies.

Cardinal Terms

• framers: The authors of the American Constitution.
• cloakroom: A room, in a public building such as a theatre, where coats and other property may be left temporarily.

Background

The two-chamber construction had functioned well in country governments. A compromise program was adopted and representatives were chosen past the population which benefited larger states. Two senators were chosen by state governments which benefited smaller states.

When the Constitution was ratified in 1787, the ratio of the populations of big states to modest states was roughly 12 to 1. The Connecticut Compromise gave every state, large and small, an equal vote in the Senate. Since each land has 2 senators, residents of smaller states have more clout in the Senate than residents of larger states. However, since 1787, the population disparity between large and modest states has grown. For instance, in 2006 California had seventy times the population of Wyoming.

Congress Hall Committee Room in Philadelphia: The second committee room upstairs in Congress Hall, Philadelphia, PA.

Critics, such equally constitutional scholar Sanford Levinson, have suggested that the population disparity works against residents of large states and causes a steady redistribution of resources from large states to pocket-size states. Even so, others debate that the framers intended for the Connecticut Compromise to construct the Senate so that each country had equal footing that was not based on population. Critics contend that the result is successful for maintaining remainder.

Members and Constituents

A major part for members of Congress is providing services to constituents. Constituents asking assistance with problems. Providing services helps members of Congress win votes considering elections can brand a difference in close races. Congressional staff can help citizens navigate government bureaucracies. One academic described the complex intertwined relation between lawmakers and constituents as "home way. "

Congressional Style

According to political scientist Richard Fenno, there are specific ways to categorize lawmakers. Start, is if they are generally motivated by reelection: these are lawmakers who never met a voter they did not like and provide excellent constituent services. Second, is if they take good public policy: these are legislators who burnish a reputation for policy expertise and leadership. 3rd, is if they have power in the chamber: these are lawmakers who spend serious time along the runway of the House floor or in the Senate cloakroom ministering to the needs of their colleagues.

Service to Constituents

A major role for members of Congress is providing services to constituents.

Learning Objectives

Summarize the services Congresspersons and their staff provide constituents

Fundamental Takeaways

Key Points

• A major role for members of Congress is providing services to constituents. Constituents request assistance with issues. Providing services helps members of Congress win votes and elections and can make a difference in shut races.
• The member's constituency, of import regional issues, prior background and experience may influence the pick of specialty. Senators often choose a different specialty from that of the other senator from their land to prevent overlap.
• Senators often choose a different specialty from that of the other senator from their country to prevent overlap. Some committees specialize in running the business of other committees and exert a powerful influence over all legislation.

Key Terms

• constituency: An interest grouping or fan base.

Background

A major office for members of Congress is providing services to constituents. Constituents asking aid with issues. Providing services helps members of Congress win votes and elections and can make a difference in shut races. Congressional staff tin assistance citizens navigate government bureaucracies. One academic described the complex intertwined relationship between lawmakers and constituents as "home style. "

Committees investigate specialized subjects and propose the entire Congress about choices and merchandise-offs. The member's constituency, important regional problems, and prior background and feel may influence the pick of specialty. Senators oft choose a different specialty from that of the other senator from their state to prevent overlap. Some committees specialize in running the business organization of other committees and exert a powerful influence over all legislation; for example, the House Means and Ways Committee have considerable influence over House affairs.

2004 Presidential Election past County: This map shows the vote in the 2004 presidential election by county. All major Republican geographic constituencies are visible: red dominates the map, showing Republican strength in the rural areas, while the denser areas (i.e., cities) are blue. Notable exceptions include the Pacific coast; New England; the Blackness Belt, areas with loftier Native American populations; and the heavily Hispanic parts of the Southwest.

Congressional Style

One mode to categorize lawmakers, according to political scientist Richard Fenno, is by their general motivation:

• re-election, these are lawmakers who "never met a voter they did not like" and provide first-class constituent services
• good public policy, legislators who brighten a reputation for policy expertise and leadership
• power in the bedroom, lawmakers who spend serious time along the rail of the Business firm floor or in the Senate cloakroom ministering to the needs of their colleagues – famous legislator Henry Clay in the mid-nineteenth century was described every bit an "issue entrepreneur" who looked for issues to serve his ambitions
• gridlock, unless Congress can begin to work together through compromise, each fellow member will exist removed, by 1 means or some other (i.e., by CPA).

The Oversight Office

The U.s. Congress has oversight of the Executive Co-operative and other U.S. federal agencies.

Learning Objectives

Describe congressional oversight and the varied bases whence its authority is derived

Key Takeaways

Key Points

• Congressional oversight is the review, monitoring, and supervision of federal agencies, programs, activities, and policy implementation.
• Congress exercises this power largely through its congressional committee system. Withal, oversight, which dates to the earliest days of the Commonwealth, also occurs in a wide multifariousness of congressional activities and contexts.
• It is implied in the legislature 'due south authority, amid other powers and duties, to appropriate funds, enact laws, heighten and support armies, provide for a Navy, declare war, and impeach and remove from office the President, Vice President, and other civil officers.

Key Terms

• amendment: A writ requiring someone to appear in court to give testimony.

Background

Congressional oversight refers to oversight by the United States Congress of the Executive Co-operative, including the numerous U.Southward. federal agencies. Congressional oversight is the review, monitoring, and supervision of federal agencies, programs, activities, and policy implementation. Congress exercises this power largely through its congressional committee system. Withal, oversight, which dates to the earliest days of the Republic, also occurs in a broad multifariousness of congressional activities and contexts. These include authorization, appropriations, investigative, and legislative hearings by continuing committees; specialized investigations past select committees; and reviews and studies by congressional support agencies and staff.

Congress's oversight say-so derives from its "implied" powers in the Constitution, public laws, and House and Senate rules. It is an integral part of the American system of checks and balances.

Report on the Organisation of Congress

Oversight is an unsaid rather than an enumerated power under the U.South. Constitution. The government 's charter does not explicitly grant Congress the authority to comport inquiries or investigations of the executive, to have access to records or materials held by the executive, or to issue subpoenas for documents or testimony from the executive.

There was piffling discussion of the ability to oversee, review, or investigate executive activity at the Ramble Convention of 1787 or afterward in the Federalist Papers, which argued in favor of ratification of the Constitution. The lack of fence was because oversight and its attendant dominance were seen every bit an inherent power of representative assemblies, which enacted public law.

Oversight also derives from the many, varied express powers of the Congress in the Constitution. Information technology is implied in the legislature'southward potency, amidst other powers and duties, to appropriate funds, enact laws, raise and support armies, provide for a Navy, declare war, and impeach and remove from office the President, Vice President, and other civil officers. Congress could not reasonably or responsibly exercise these powers without knowing what the executive was doing; how programs were being administered, by whom, and at what cost; and whether officials were obeying the law and complying with legislative intent.

The Supreme Court of the United states made the oversight powers of Congress legitimate, subject to ramble safeguards for civil liberties, on several occasions. For case, in 1927 the Loftier Court plant that in investigating the administration of the Justice Department, Congress was considering a subject "on which legislation could exist had or would be materially aided by the information which the investigation was calculated to arm-twist. "

Activities and Avenues

Oversight occurs through a wide variety of congressional activities and avenues. Some of the most publicized are the comparatively rare investigations by select committees into major scandals or executive branch operations gone amiss. Examples are temporary select committee inquiries into: China's conquering of U.S. nuclear weapons information, in 1999; the Iran-Contra affair, in 1987; intelligence bureau abuses, in 1975-1976, and "Watergate," in 1973-1974. The precedent for this kind of oversight goes dorsum two centuries: in 1792, a special House commission investigated the defeat of an Ground forces force by confederated Indian tribes.

Jim Greenwood Committee Chair: Congressman Jim Greenwood, Chairman of the Business firm Committee on Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, gavels to first the hearing on human cloning.

The Public-Pedagogy Function of Congress

The Library of Congress provides public information and educates the public most legislation amongst other general data.

Learning Objectives

Give examples of the various roles the Library Congress plays in public education

Key Takeaways

Central Points

• Putnam focused his efforts on making the Library more accessible and useful for the public and for other libraries. He instituted the interlibrary loan service, transforming the Library of Congress into what he referred to as a "library of last resort".
• Based in the Progressive era 's philosophy of science as a problem-solver, and modeled later successful enquiry branches of state legislatures, the LRS would provide informed answers to Congressional research inquiries on almost any topic.
• The library is open to the general public for academic research and tourists. But those who are issued a Reader Identification Card may enter the reading rooms and access the collection.

Key Terms

• endowment: The invested funds of a not-for-turn a profit establishment.

Background

The Library of Congress, spurred by the 1897 reorganization, began to grow and develop more chop-chop. Herbert Putnam held the office for xl years from 1899 to 1939, entering into the position 2 years before the Library became the showtime in the U.s. to hold ane 1000000 volumes. Putnam focused his efforts on making the Library more accessible and useful for the public and for other libraries. He instituted the interlibrary loan service, transforming the Library of Congress into what he referred to as a library of concluding resort. Putnam also expanded Library access to "scientific investigators and duly qualified individuals" and began publishing primary sources for the benefit of scholars.

Library of Congress: The collections of the Library of Congress include more than 32 million cataloged books and other print materials in 470 languages; more than 61 million manuscripts.

Putnam's tenure also saw increasing variety in the Library's acquisitions. In 1903, he persuaded President Theodore Roosevelt to transfer by executive order the papers of the Founding Fathers from the Land Department to the Library of Congress. Putnam expanded foreign acquisitions every bit well.

In 1914, Putnam established the Legislative Reference Service every bit a separative administrative unit of the Library. Based in the Progressive era's philosophy of science equally a problem-solver, and modeled afterwards successful research branches of state legislatures, the LRS would provide informed answers to Congressional enquiry inquiries on almost whatsoever topic. In 1965, Congress passed an human action allowing the Library of Congress to found a trust fund board to accept donations and endowments, giving the Library a role as a patron of the arts.

The Library received the donations and endowments of prominent individuals such as John D. Rockefeller, James B. Wilbur and Archer M. Huntington. Gertrude Clarke Whittall donated five Stradivarius violins to the Library and Elizabeth Sprague Coolidge's donations paid for a concert hall inside the Library of Congress edifice and the institution of an honorarium for the Music Division. A number of chairs and consultantships were established from the donations, the best known of which is the Poet Laureate Consultant.

Library of Congress Expansion

The Library'southward expansion somewhen filled the Library'southward Master Building, despite shelving expansions in 1910 and 1927, forcing the Library to expand into a new structure. Congress caused nearby land in 1928 and approved construction of the Annex Edifice (later on the John Adams Building) in 1930. Although delayed during the Depression years, it was completed in 1938 and opened to the public in 1939.

When Putnam retired in 1939, President Franklin D. Roosevelt appointed Archibald MacLeish as his successor. Occupying the post from 1939 to 1944 during the height of Globe War 2, MacLeish became the almost visible Librarian of Congress in the Library'due south history. MacLeish encouraged librarians to oppose totalitarianism on behalf of democracy; defended the South Reading Room of the Adams Building to Thomas Jefferson, commissioning artist Ezra Winter to paint 4 themed murals for the room; and established a "democracy apse" in the Chief Reading Room of the Jefferson Building for of import documents such as the Declaration, Constitution and Federalist Papers.

Even the Library of Congress assisted during the state of war endeavor. These efforts ranged from the storage of the Proclamation of Independence and the United States Constitution in Fort Knox for safekeeping to researching weather data on the Himalayas for Air Force pilots. MacLeish resigned in 1944 to become Assistant Secretary of Country, and President Harry Truman appointed Luther H. Evans as Librarian of Congress. Evans, who served until 1953, expanded the Library's acquisitions, cataloging and bibliographic services as much equally the fiscal-minded Congress would allow, but his main accomplishment was the creation of Library of Congress Missions effectually the world. Missions played a variety of roles in the postwar world: the mission in San Francisco assisted participants in the coming together that established the United Nations, the mission in Europe caused European publications for the Library of Congress and other American libraries, and the mission in Japan aided in the creation of the National Diet Library.

In 2016, Dr. Carla Hayden was appointed as the 14th Librarian of Congress, the kickoff adult female, and the start African-American to serve in the position.The library is open to the full general public for academic research and tourists. Merely those who are issued a Reader Identification Card may enter the reading rooms and admission the collection. The Reader Identification Bill of fare is available in the Madison building to persons who are at least 16 years of age upon presentation of a government issued picture identification (e.g. driver'due south license, state ID menu or passport). However, only members of Congress, Supreme Court Justices, their staff, Library of Congress staff and certain other government officials may really remove items from the library buildings. Members of the general public with Reader Identification Cards must use items from the library collection inside the reading rooms only. Since 1902, libraries in the Usa have been able to asking books and other items through interlibrary loan from the Library of Congress if these items are non readily bachelor elsewhere.

The Conflict-Resolution Role

Both the Senate and the House have a conflict-resolution procedure before a bill is passed as a slice of legislation.

Learning Objectives

Summarize the steps past which a bill becomes law

Key Takeaways

Key Points

• Representatives innovate a pecker while the Firm is in session by placing it in the hopper on the Clerk'due south desk. Information technology is assigned a number and referred to a commission. The commission studies each bill intensely at this stage.
• Each bill goes through several stages in each house including consideration by a committee and advice from the Government Accountability Office. Almost legislation is considered by standing committees, which have jurisdiction over a particular subject such every bit Agriculture or Appropriations.
• Once a bill is approved by one house, information technology is sent to the other house which may pass, reject, or amend it. For the beak to become police force, both houses must hold to identical versions of the pecker.
• After passing through both houses, a pecker is sent to the president for approval. The president may sign it making information technology law or veto it and render it to Congress with his objections. A vetoed nib can however get law if each business firm of Congress votes to override the veto with a two-thirds majority.
• If Congress is adjourned during this period, the president may veto legislation passed at the cease of a congressional session simply by ignoring it. This maneuver is known as a pocket veto. Information technology cannot be overridden by the adjourned Congress.

Key Terms

• appropriation: Public funds set bated for a specific purpose.
• amend: To brand a formal alteration in legislation by adding, deleting, or rephrasing.

Background

Representatives innovate a beak while the House is in session past placing it in the hopper on the Clerk's desk. It is assigned a number and referred to a committee. At this stage, the commission studies each bill intensely. Drafting statutes requires "great skill, knowledge, and feel" and can sometimes have a year or more than. On occasion, lobbyists write legislation and submit it to a member for introduction. Joint resolutions are the normal mode to propose a constitutional amendment or declare war. On the other paw, concurrent resolutions (passed by both houses) and simple resolutions (passed by but ane house) practise not have the force of law, just they express the opinion of Congress or regulate process. Whatever member of either business firm may introduce bills. Notwithstanding, the Constitution provides states that: All bills for raising Revenue shall originate in the House of Representatives. While the Senate cannot originate revenue and appropriation bills, it has the ability to ameliorate or reject them. Congress has sought ways to institute appropriate spending levels.

Bill and Resolutions

Each bill goes through several stages in each house including consideration by a committee and communication from the Government Accountability Office. About legislation is taken into consideration past standing committees, which have jurisdiction over a particular field of study such as Agronomics or Appropriations. The House has 20 continuing committees; the Senate has sixteen. Continuing committees meet at to the lowest degree one time each month. Well-nigh all standing committee meetings for transacting business concern must be open to the public unless the commission publicly votes to close the meeting. A committee might call for public hearings on important bills. A chair who belongs to the majority political party and a ranking fellow member of the minority political party pb each committee. Witnesses and experts tin can present their instance for or against a beak. And then, a bill may become to what is called a marking-up session where committee members debate the neb's claim. The commission members may offer amendments or revisions. Committees may also ameliorate the bill, but the full house holds the power to take or reject committee amendments. After contend, the committee votes whether information technology wishes to report the measure out to the full house. If a nib is tabled, and so it is rejected. If amendments are extensive, sometimes a new bill with amendments built in volition be submitted as a so-called "clean bill" with a new number. Generally, members who take been in Congress longer have greater seniority and therefore greater power.

U.S. House Committee: The Firm Financial Services Committee meets. Commission members sit in the tiers of raised chairs, while individuals testifying and audience members sit down beneath.

A neb, that reaches the floor of the full house, can be simple or complex. It begins with an enacting formula such as "Exist it enacted by the Senate and Firm of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled. " Consideration of a bill requires, itself, a rule which is a simple resolution specifying the particulars of debate—fourth dimension limits, possibility of further amendments, and such. Each side has equal fourth dimension and members can yield to other members who wish to speak. Sometimes opponents seek to recommit a bill, which ways to change part of it. By and large, word requires a quorum, usually one-half of the total number of representatives, before discussion can begin, although at that place are exceptions. The firm may debate and improve the bill. The precise procedure used by the House and Senate differs. A final vote on the bill follows.

Once a bill is canonical past i house, information technology is sent to the other which may pass, refuse, or amend it. For the beak to become law, both houses must concur to identical versions of the bill. If the second house amends the bill, then the differences between the 2 versions must exist reconciled in a conference commission. This is an advertisement hoc committee that includes both senators and representatives and uses a reconciliation process to limit budget bills. Both Houses use a budget enforcement mechanism informally known as "pay-as-you-become" or "pay-go" which discourages members from considering acts which increment budget deficits. If both houses agree to the version reported by the conference committee, the bill passes, otherwise it fails.

The Constitution, however, requires a recorded vote if demanded past one-fifth of the members present. If the voice vote is unclear or if the matter is controversial, a recorded vote commonly happens.

After passage by both houses, a neb is enrolled and sent to the president for approval. The president may sign it making it police. If the bill is vetoed, the president returns it to Congress with his objections. A vetoed bill can still become law if each house of Congress votes to override the veto with a 2-thirds majority. Withal, if Congress is adjourned during this period, the president may veto legislation passed at the end of a congressional session only past ignoring it. This maneuver is known equally a pocket veto. It cannot be overridden by the adjourned Congress.

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Source: https://courses.lumenlearning.com/boundless-politicalscience/chapter/the-nature-and-function-of-congress/

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