Legislative Branch 

Learning Objectives


  • Identify and explain the organization of the Legislature
  • Identify and provide an example of the powers of the Legislature, both formal and informal.
  • Identify and explain how Congress shares powers with the Executive, Judiciary, and bureaucracy.
  • Discuss the implications of Congress sharing powers with each of the following: Executive, Judiciary, and bureaucracy.
  • Discuss the functions that Congress performs.
  • Identify how the power of the Congress has/may evolve gradually.
  • Identify how the power of the Congress has/may changes dramatically as a result of crisis.
  • Identify and discuss the ties between the Congress and political parties.
  • Identify and discuss the ties between the Congress and interest groups.
  • Identify and discuss the ties between the Congress and media.
  • Identify and discuss the ties between the Congress and state and local governments.

Vocabulary

Bicameral
Apportionment
Reapportionment
Redistricting
Gerrymandering
Incumbency
Casework
Open seat
appropriations
Seniority system
Standing committee
Select committee
Joint committee
Conference committee
Caucuses
Trustee
Constituent servant (delegate)
Oversight
House Rules Committee
House Ways & Means Committee
Filibuster
Cloture
Pork barrel
Earmarks
Logrolling
Riders

Lectures & Videos

For this unit, view and take notes from The Legislative Branch section.
Standard Deviants Congress Video 
The Congress Intro 
Necessary & Proper
Reapportionment
Structure & Leadership of Congress
Committees

Activities & Assignments

Article I Quest
Legislative Branch Notes
Article I Scavenger Hunt doc
Standard Deviants Video Guide doc
How a Bill Becomes a Law doc
Key Differences Between the House & Senate PPT
Criticisms of the Congress Jigsaw doc
Congressional Leadership WebQuest doc
Fantasy Congress Draft Worksheet doc
Fantasy Congress Instructions doc
Congressional Oversight bellringe
Pork Barrel Spending: Congressional Pig Book
Unit Exam Review doc