Heimlich's History: Unit 2 - The Congress of the United States

Introduction

• First video covering Unit 2 of AP Government curriculum
• Focus: Structure and Power of the U.S. Congress
• Goals:
  • Describe structures, powers, and functions of each house in Congress

Resources

• AP Government Ultimate Review Packet:
  • Includes exclusive content, practice questions, and exam preparation materials

Structure of Congress

• Bicameral Legislature:
  • Two houses: Senate and House of Representatives
  • Historical context: Previous single-house system under the Articles of Confederation
  • Constitution (Article 1) established the current two-house system

The Senate

• Representation: Equally by states (2 senators per state)
  • Total: 100 senators
• Perception: Considered more mature due to age requirement (30 years)
• Term Length: 6 years for members
  • Framers' intention: Insulation from public pressure
• Responsibilities: More constitutional responsibilities than the House
• Representation: Represents entire state, focuses on broader issues

The House of Representatives

• Representation: By population
  • More populous states have more representatives
  • Minimum of one representative per state
  • Total: 435 representatives
• Apportionment: Determined by the census (every 10 years)
• Perception: More dynamic and responsive to constituents
• Term Length: 2 years
  • Frequent re-election: Ensures accountability to constituents
• Representation: Members represent specific districts, closer to local issues
• Coalitions: Less likely than Senate to form bipartisan coalitions

Purpose of Congress

• Legislative Branch: Only branch with authority to make laws
• Bill Process:
  • Both houses must agree on identical versions of a bill
  • Passed to the President for signing

Debate Rules

• Senate: Allows unlimited debate (more relaxed and informal)
• House: Debate restricted to an hour per member (more structured)

Powers of Congress

• Article 1, Section 8: Enumerated powers
  • Federal Budget: Power of the purse
  • Revenue: Taxation (income tax, tariffs)
  • Currency: Coin money, uniform currency
  • War: Declare war
  • Military: Raise and maintain armed forces
• Implied Powers:
  • Derived from the "Necessary and Proper Clause"
  • Allows Congress to pass laws deemed necessary to carry out enumerated powers

Conclusion

• Additional resources available in Heimlich's review packet
• Encouragement to subscribe for more videos and to explore the Unit 2 playlist for further information