IntroductionThis unit begins our study of the most important component of American government and politics, the institutions that create government policy. The founders listed the legislative branch first in the Constitution, signifying its primacy in their view of the new government they were creating. Today, Congress has grown, its powers have expanded, and it faces problems never dreamed by the men who met in Philadelphia in 1787. Congress faces criticism from every angle, citizens deride its increasing partisanship and its inability to get anything done, and yet the re-election rates for representatives remain above 90% in most elections. In order to become informed participants in our democracy, we will investigate how Congress is organized and operates, how members decide on voting, and what formal and informal powers Congress has.
Homework AssignmentsAssignment 1: Functions of Congress
Assignment 2: Constitutional CongressAssignment 3: Powers and Houses of Congress
Assignment 4: Checks on Congressional Power
Assignment 5: Congressional Elections
Assignment 6: Reapportionment and Redistricting
Assignment 7: Working in Congress
Assignment 8: Congressional Leadership
Assignment 9: How a Bill Becomes a Law
Assignment 10: The Federal Budget Process
Assignment 11: Review for the Test
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