Legislative Branch  

Essential Questions

*  How does Congress represent and reflect the interest and desires of the nation?  
*  Is Congress representative of the nation as a whole?  
*  Is this the most efficient and effective way to make policy? 
*  Compare and Contrast the makeup of the House and the Senate.  
*  How has Congress' role in policy formulation changed over time in relation to the other branches?  
*  Does the "system" work as intended? 
*  Does the "system" work for citizens today?

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

Lecture & Videos

For this unit, view and take notes from The Legislative Branch section.

Activities & Assignments

Article I Quest
Legislative Branch Notes
Congressional Leadership Webquest
Standard Deviants Video Guide doc
How a Bill Becomes a Law game board
How a Bill Becomes a Law answer strips
Key Differences Between the House & Senate PPT
Criticisms of the Congress Jigsaw doc
Unit Exam Review doc