Crash Course Government - U.S. Congress

Introduction

• Host: Craig from Crash Course Government.
• Topic: Overview of the U.S. Congress, regarded as the most important branch of government according to the Constitution.

Structure of Congress

• Bicameral legislature: Consists of two houses - the Senate and the House of Representatives.
• House of Representatives
  • Requirements: 25 years old, citizen for 7 years, resident of state represented.
  • Representation by population; total 435 members.
  • Example: California has 52 representatives.
• Senate
  • Requirements: 30 years old, citizen for 9 years, resident of state represented.
  • Two senators per state, total 100 senators.

Specific Powers

House of Representatives

• Power to impeach federal officials, initiating a trial in the Senate.
• Decides presidential elections if no candidate wins Electoral College majority.
• All revenue-raising bills must originate here ("Power of the Purse").

Senate

• Holds impeachment trials.
• Power to ratify treaties (requires 2/3 vote).
• Confirms executive appointments, including over 1,000 offices requiring Senate confirmation.

Historical and Practical Reasons for Bicameral Structure

• Historical: Compromise between large and small states, known as the Connecticut Compromise or The Great Compromise.
  • Large states wanted proportional representation (Virginia Plan).
  • Small states wanted equal representation (New Jersey Plan).
  • Resulted in proportional representation in the House and equal representation in the Senate.
• Practical: To prevent too much legislative power.
  • James Madison (Federalist 51): Idea of intrabranch checks where one house limits the power of another.

Differences in Powers and Terms

• Senators were expected to be older and wiser, serving 6 years, making them more immune to public desires.
• Representatives have 2-year terms to stay responsive to their constituents.
• Senate seen as trustees, acting on what they think is best.
• House acts as delegates, directly representing constituent desires.

Conclusion

• Overview of the bicameral structure and reasons behind it.
• Future episodes will explore how the two houses work together.

• Production: In association with PBS Digital Studios.
• Support: Voqal, supporting social equity through technology and media.
• Credits: Acknowledgement of contributing personnel.