Read Chapter 12 in Harrison. Pay close attention to the powers and the functions of Congress. Focus on these Key terms on page 389: bill, casework, gerrymandering, joint committee, pocket veto, president pro tempore. Try to look at the Congressional Quarterly’s web-site; parts of it are free on a trial basis. Alternatively, look at www.rollcall.com, which is a Capitol Hill Washington newspaper.

Questions 1

ow that you have read Chapter 12, you should understand the basic workings of the Congress. You have also completed the identification items previously noted, and you have thought about the Critical Thinking question. Post your Discussion Board entry by discussing the following question: How does the legislative process differ in the Senate and the House? What if you served in Congress–would you favor the instructed-delegate model or the trustee model of representation? Why?

Questions 2

Continue your Blog by examining the powers that the Senate has and that the House does not share. What are some such powers for the Senate? Do you agree with the usual label that the Senate is the upper house and the House is considered the lower one? Why or why not?

Answer preview

How does the legislative process differ in the Senate and the House? What if you served in Congress–would you favor the instructed-delegate model or the trustee model of representation? Why?

The legislative process in the House and Senate differ in the following ways. First and foremost, the house bill is introduced by a member referred to as the sponsor of the bill, who signs it and places the hard copy into a hopper. In contrast, a senate bill is…

 

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