Understanding the Legislative Process in Congress: A Guided Agenda
Join us for an engaging exploration of how Congress operates, focusing on key topics such as the legislative process, the role of congressional committees, and the impact of compromise on lawmaking. Our agenda includes discussions on the intricacies of ordering a pizza in Congress, the importance of committee jurisdiction, and the voting dynamics in both the House and Senate. Students will complete assignments like the Unit 3 Guide and a reflection on the "Sausage Factory" metaphor for lawmaking, enhancing their understanding of the U.S. legislative system.
Understanding the Legislative Process in Congress: A Guided Agenda
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Presentation Transcript
Welcome to Congress! Did someone say pizza?
AGENDA November 14/15, 2013 Today’s topics Congressional Committees: How Congress orders a pizza Administrative Unit 3 Test: Nov. 19/20 Portfolios due: Nov. 26/27 Homework Unit 3 Guide due: Nov. 18 Monday: Bring Quick Write “Welcome to the Sausage Factory”
Learning Goals Unit 3 Guide Understand the lawmaking process in Congress • How does Congress make laws (the process)? Can the process be improved? If so, how? • What is the role of Congressional committees in the legislative process? • What is the role of compromise in Congress’s legislative process? How important is compromise to the legislative process? • Which provisions in the U.S. Constitution make compromise necessary?
“Laws, like sausages, cease to inspire respect in proportion as we know how they are made.”John Godfrey Saxe, American poet (1816 – 1887) http://www.uncrate.com/men/culture/food/harry-david-international-sausage-sampler/
our Rules of Congress • Committees may only have hearings and votes on their area of jurisdiction. (No poaching!) • Number of votes: • House = Determined by population • Senate = 2; ties broken by ????? • The Parliamentarian will rule on any other issues as they arise. • Hints: • How many votes do you need to pass your bill (in committees & on the floor)? • Who has that many votes?
The State of the Union Article II, Section 3: “He shall from time to time give to the Congress Information of the State of the Union…”
Homework Before you leave • Pick up your belongings • Straighten up your area Homework • Unit 3 Guide due: Nov. 18 • Monday: Bring Quick Write “Welcome to the Sausage Factory”