The Structure Of Congress Guided Reading Activity

The structure of congress guided reading activity – The Structure of Congress: A Guided Reading Activity delves into the intricate workings of the United States Congress, providing a comprehensive understanding of its composition, powers, and legislative process.

This activity explores the bicameral nature of Congress, the roles of the House of Representatives and Senate, and the system of checks and balances that ensures a balance of power within the government.

Legislative Branch Overview: The Structure Of Congress Guided Reading Activity

Congress, the legislative branch of the US government, is responsible for making laws and overseeing the executive and judicial branches. It has the power to declare war, raise taxes, and regulate interstate commerce.

Congress was established in 1789 under the Constitution. It originally consisted of two chambers: the Senate and the House of Representatives. The Senate was designed to represent the states, while the House was designed to represent the people.

Structure of the House of Representatives

The House of Representatives is composed of 435 members, each of whom is elected from a single-member district. Members serve two-year terms and are eligible for re-election indefinitely.

The House is led by the Speaker of the House, who is elected by the members of the House. The Speaker is responsible for presiding over the House and setting the agenda.

Structure of the Senate

The Senate is composed of 100 members, two from each state. Senators serve six-year terms and are eligible for re-election indefinitely.

The Senate is led by the Vice President of the United States, who is also the President of the Senate. The Vice President presides over the Senate and casts the tie-breaking vote in the event of a tie.

Bicameralism and the Legislative Process

Bicameralism is the system of having two legislative chambers. The House of Representatives and the Senate are equal partners in the legislative process. Both chambers must pass a bill before it can become law.

The legislative process begins when a bill is introduced in either the House or the Senate. The bill is then referred to a committee for consideration. If the committee approves the bill, it is reported back to the full chamber for a vote.

Congressional Committees

Congressional committees are responsible for considering legislation and making recommendations to the full chamber. There are standing committees, which are permanent committees that handle specific areas of legislation, and select committees, which are temporary committees that are created to investigate specific issues.

Some of the most important standing committees include the House Committee on Ways and Means, the Senate Committee on Finance, and the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

Representation and Constituency, The structure of congress guided reading activity

Members of Congress are elected to represent the interests of their constituents. Constituents are the people who live in the district or state that the member of Congress represents.

The composition of Congress reflects the diversity of the American people. Members of Congress come from all walks of life and represent a wide range of political views.

Checks and Balances

Checks and balances is a system of government in which different branches of government have the ability to limit the power of other branches.

The structure of Congress contributes to checks and balances in several ways. For example, the Senate must approve all treaties negotiated by the President. The House of Representatives has the power to impeach the President. And the Supreme Court can declare laws passed by Congress unconstitutional.

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