Lesson 22
How Does Congress Perform Its Functions in the American Constitutional System?
The United States Congress is one of the few national assemblies in the world with the power to initiate legislation rather than simply vote on bills proposed by the executive. Congress also conducts important investigations that can lead to changes in public policy and even the removal of federal judges and the president. From its earliest days Congress has relied on rules and leadership structures to facilitate its work. Today, with 535 members, Congress faces a variety of organizational challenges in its effort to represent growing and diverse constituencies.When you have finished this lesson, you should be able to describe the role of rules, committees, and political parties in the organization and operation of Congress. You should be able to describe the process through which proposed legislation becomes law. You should be able to identify the primary sources on which members of Congress rely for information in the lawmaking process and to explain the importance of Congress's inherent power to investigate. You also should be able to explain why compromise is required in the deliberative process. Finally, you should be able to evaluate, take, and defend positions on how Congress functions and whether it should streamline its procedures.
Section 1
What types of committees are there in Congress and what are their functions?- Discussion and research questions
Section 2
What is the significance of the filibuster, Hastert rule, and regular order?- Discussion and research questions
Section 3
What are some of the major issues regarding the current operation of Congress?- Discussion and research questions
Section 4
How have the three branches of the national government protected and furthered individual rights?- Discussion and research questions
Section 5
What are some current issues regarding representative democracy in the United States?- Discussion and research questions