5-1 Role of Congress

American Government Chapter 5 – Role and Powers of Congress 5-1 Role of Congress

Role of Congress CA Standards: 12.7 Students analyze and compare the powers and procedures of the national, state, tribal, and local governments Objectives:

• What influences how members of Congress vote?? • What purpose do congressional investigations serve?? • Why is it important for members of Congress to serve their constituents?

Homework

Write definition of terms under Political Dictionary found on page 98 of textbook

Census Apportion Gerrymandering Franking Privilege Immunity

Read pages 98- 104 Holt American Government Prepare for Open notebook Quiz

Role of Congress

Terms & Names Constituent Interest Group Political Action Committee Oversight

pages 93

Role of Congress

Main Idea Congress has three key roles. Its main role is to legislate, or to make laws. To decide how to vote on laws, members of Congress consider four factors: their own personal beliefs, their constituents’ interest, interest groups’ concerns, and political party loyalty. Congress also oversees the performance of government agencies by conducting investigations through congressional oversight.

Finally, Congress provides services to its constituents.

5-1 Section Review 1. How do constituents, interest groups, and political parties influence how members of Congress vote on legislation?

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Constituents voice approval or disapproval

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Constituents may vote against a member based on policy.

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Interest groups provide information, organize constituents, and raise money.

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Political parties provide assistance, publicity, and funding for party members.

5-1 Section Review 2. What role do members’ personal beliefs play on how they vote on legislation? 

Sometimes, a congressperson will support or vote against legislation, even if it is contrary to the wishes of most constituents.

5-1 Section Review 3. On what types of issues do congressional investigations tend to focus? 

Congressional investigations tend to focus on scandals or problems with government programs. Budget restraints also require closer scrutiny of government programs.

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*special note – Elected officials often benefit with publicity from their involvement in some investigations.

5-1 Section Review 4. How do constituents’ requests help members of Congress perform their jobs? 

Patterns of requests may alert representatives to problems in specific programs.

Be prepared for open notebook quiz