Transcript Slide 1

 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???
Article 1 of the
Constitution sets
up the Legislative
Branch granting it
the power to
make the laws
for our nation.
Often referred to
as “The
Congress,” it
meets in the
Capital Building
on Capital Hill.
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)
 Upper House of Congress
 100 senators total (2 per state)
 6 year terms
 Must be
at least 30 years old
U.S. citizen for at least 9 years
resident of the state they represent
 1/3 is up for election every 2 years
President of the Senate
 votes only to break ties
 Vice President of the United States
 may not speak or debate
Joe Biden
President pro tempore
 highest ranking senator
 serves as president if VP is not there
 elected by Senate
 member of the Majority Party
Patrick Leahy
Minority Leader
Said to be the “real” leader of the Senate
Harry Reid (D)
Majority Leader
Mitch McConnell (R)
53 Democrats
47 Republicans
+ 2 Independents
100 Total Senators
John Cornyn (R)
Finance and Judiciary Committees
Ted Cruz (R)
Serves on 7 different Committees
 Lower House of Congress
 435 Congressman total (# based on
population in state/changed after each
census –around every 10 years)
 2 year terms
 Must be
at least 25 years old
U.S. citizen for at least 7 years
resident of the state they represent
 Speaker of the House of
Representatives
 elected by the House
every new Congress
 Responsibilities include:
acknowledges people
who want to speak
signs bills
appoints committees
calls a vote
John Boehner (R)
 There are currently 31
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Congressman from Texas.
California has the most
with 53.
7 states have only 1.
Congress also has 6 non
voting members
234 Republicans
201 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.
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Charge and collect taxes
Raise and maintain military
Grant statehood
Control national lands
Regulate interstate trade
Naturalize citizens
Declare war
Control making currency
Control the budget
Borrow $$
Veto override 2/3 majority of both
houses
 Be present for the State of the
Union Address
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.
Press Here
 Confirm Presidential appointees
Federal judges (including Supreme Court)
Cabinet members
Head of Federal Agencies
 Approve/reject treaties
 Jury for impeachment trial
President Clinton
was impeached
for giving false
testimony to
Congress among
other things.
John Kerry
approved as our
new Secretary
of State.
 Originates money bills (taxes)
 Begins impeachment process
 Elects President if Electoral College fails to do so
Actions happen because…
 Desire to do the right thing
 Logrolling
-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 status
 Partisan bickering
 Desire re-election
-change vote to get votes
-avoid looking bad
 It was designed this way
 Salary of $174,000+ per year (Leadership roles earn
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more…SoH = $223,500 per year)
Generous retirement and benefits (health care)
Two offices – D.C. and Home District
Staff members at both offices
Franking privileges – work-related mail is FREE
Assorted perks; no petty misdemeanors