Crash Course Government: The U.S. Congress

Introduction

• Host: Craig
• Focus: The U.S. Congress
• Congress is the most crucial branch of the national government according to the Constitution.
  • Mentioned first in the Constitution's seven articles and 28 amendments.

Structure of Congress

• Bicameral Legislature: Composed of Senate and House of Representatives.
  • Article I, Section I:
    • "All legislative powers shall be vested in a Congress, consisting of a Senate and a House of Representatives."

The House of Representatives

• Requirements to Serve:
  • Must be 25 years old
  • Citizen for seven years
  • Resident of the state they represent
• Representation:
  • Based on population
  • Total of 435 members
• Special Powers:
  • Power to impeach federal officials
  • Decide presidential elections if no majority in Electoral College
  • All bills raising revenue must originate in the House ("The Power of the Purse")

The Senate

• Requirements to Serve:
  • Must be 30 years old
  • Citizen for nine years
  • Resident of the state they represent
• Representation:
  • Two senators from each state
  • Total of 100 senators
• Special Powers:
  • Hold impeachment trials
  • Ratify treaties (requires 2/3 vote)
  • Confirm appointments of executive officers

Historical and Practical Reasons for Two Houses

• Historical Reason:

  • Disagreement during the Constitution's drafting due to different state interests:
    • Large states: Wanted proportional representation (Virginia Plan)
    • Small states: Wanted equal representation (New Jersey Plan)
  • Connecticut Compromise (Great Compromise):
    • Upper house with equal representation, lower house with proportional representation

• Practical Reason:

  • To limit legislative power
  • James Madison (Federalist 51):
    • Division of legislature to prevent dominance
    • Different modes of election and principles of action

Checks and Balances

• Intrabranch Check:
  • One house limits the power of another
  • Part of broader checks and balances framework to prevent government from having too much power

Distinct Qualities of Senate and House

• Senate:

  • Older age requirement signifies wisdom
  • 6-year terms to insulate from public opinion
  • Acts as trustees, making judgments in public interest

• House of Representatives:

  • 2-year terms for responsiveness to public opinion
  • Acts as delegates, reflecting constituents' desires
  • Given powers closely tied to the public (e.g., impeachment, taxes)

Conclusion

• Overview of bicameral structure and powers
• Preview of future discussions on how both houses collaborate

Acknowledgements

• Support from PBS Digital Studios and Voqal
• Production credits to the team behind Crash Course

Note: These notes are based on the lecture from Crash Course Government & Politics. They cover the main ideas and details presented about the U.S. Congress and its functions.