Unit 3

AMERICAN GOVERNMENT – UNIT 3

FRI 9/16 – Examine Article 1 of the Constitution. – Examine why the Constitution established a bicameral legislature. – Explain the basic structure of the House. – Describe gerrymandering and how it affects the House.

MON 9/19 - Identify the make-up of Congress and the privileges and compensation – Describe the Senate - How should members of Congress vote? - What factors do you think are the most important for members of Congress to consider when casting their vote? Why? (List all 3 types and put in order of which you feel are the most important) – DUE TUES 9/20

TUES 9/20 & WED 9/21 – Examine the expressed powers of Congress.

THURS 9/22 – Analyze the Elastic Clause and Commerce Clause which Congress has used to enact these measures: (the War Powers Act of 1973, Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of 1972, and IDEA of 1990) All of these are part of a loose (liberal) construction (interpretation) of the Constitution. Do you agree with Congress enacting these laws? - Why? - (Answer for all 4 laws separately) - DUE FRI 9/23

FRI 9/23 & MON 9/26 - Describe the non-legislative powers of Congress. What is an impeachable offense? – Identify how the House and Senate work and how bills become a law. - Review

TUES 9/27 – Test Unit 3 – Essay - Analyze the documents provided and answer this question: Does a divided government enhance or hinder the lawmaking process?(i.e. the country) – Justify with 2 reasons.

STUDY GUIDE

revenue bills, Speaker of the House, President Pro Tempore of the Senate, powers granted to Congress, powers denied Congress, elastic clause, strict constructionist, loose constructionists, number of Reps, number of Senators, filibuster, Amendment 27, gerrymandering, (Congressional Standing Committees, Select Committees, Joint Committees)

Qualifications for House and Senate

4 ways members of Congress may vote

5 basic steps for a bill to become a law