September 13, 2006 Ch 6: Congress

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September 13, 2006Ch 6 Congress

• Sec 3 Representing Americans

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BW1. Requirements Benefits of Congress

• Why are members of Congress granted immunity?
• To allow them to say and do what they believe is
  right without fear of interference

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BW2. Congressional Staff Behind-the-Scenes
Helpers

• What is the purpose of the CRS?
• It researches facts and identifies arguments for
  and against bills it uses computers to keep track
  of congressional bills.

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BW3. Members of Congress at Work

• Why do members of Congress try to get pork-barrel
  projects?
• These projects benefit constituents and help
  increase their electoral support.

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HW1. Key Terms

• Write a true/false statement explain why false
• Franking Privilege send mail without paying
  postage
• Lobbyist hired to influence government decision
  makers
• Casework work to help constituents with a
  problem
• Pork-barrel project projects grants that
  benefit the home district or state

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HW2. Contrast

• Explain the difference between a congressional
  committee staff member and a member of the
  personal staff of a representative or senator.
• Committee staff members work for the committee.
• Personal staffers work for a member of Congress.

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HW3. Summarize

• Describe the role of the General Accounting
  Office.
• The GAO reviews spending activities of federal
  agencies, studies federal programs, and
  recommends ways to improve governments financial
  performance.

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HW3. Summarize

• What does the Congressional Budget Office do?
• The CBO provides information for budgetary
  decisions.

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HW4. Drawing Conclusions

• Why do you think congressional committees need
  permanent, full-time staff members?
• Explain

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HW5. Summarizing Information

• Write the 3 major jobs/functions of members of
  Congress. Give examples.
• Lawmaking
• Handling casework
• Helping district/state

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HW6. Conclude

• Reexamine the picture of Representative Mary Bono
  taking the oath of office on pg. 152.
• Why do you think the Speaker administers the
  oath?
• The Speaker is the most powerful leader in the
  House.

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Class workcontinued

• What is a National Issue?
• Finish worksheet discuss all questions asked in
  the directions.
• On the back, list at least 5 national issues, the
  change desired, what the national government can
  do, and what you can do.