Reforming CongressReforming CongressReducing Perks and AbuseReducing Perks and Abuse

Chapter 13, Theme 6Chapter 13, Theme 6

If Congress is “broken,” how If Congress is “broken,” how can it be FIXED?can it be FIXED?

1.1. Term limitsTerm limits

2.2. Curbing Pork Barrel spending and Curbing Pork Barrel spending and earmarksearmarks

3.3. Abolishing or further limiting the franking Abolishing or further limiting the franking privilegeprivilege

4.4. Making Congress follow their own rulesMaking Congress follow their own rules

5.5. Having zero tolerance for ethics Having zero tolerance for ethics violationsviolations

Limiting Congressional TenureLimiting Congressional Tenure

Several attempts by states to impose Several attempts by states to impose term limits—UNCONSTITUTIONALterm limits—UNCONSTITUTIONAL

http://www.oyez.org/cases/1990-1999/1994/1994_93_1456

Several states pushed for a constitutional Several states pushed for a constitutional amendment (similar to 22amendment (similar to 22nd nd Amendment) Amendment)

http://www.oyez.org/cases/2000-2009/2000/2000_99_929

Pro/Con of each position?Pro/Con of each position?

Reducing Earmarks/Pork Barrel Reducing Earmarks/Pork Barrel LegislationLegislation

Define the above terms. The same?Define the above terms. The same?Pork barrel legislation Pork barrel legislation is the appropriation of government spending for localized projects secured solely or primarily to bring money to a representative's district.

An EarmarkAn Earmark is a congressional directive that funds should be spent on a specific project.

Give several relevant examples. Give several relevant examples. CH Lighthouse move, CH Lighthouse move, Bridge to Nowhere

Are all pork projects frivolous?Are all pork projects frivolous?

Trimming the Fat from the BudgetTrimming the Fat from the BudgetHow do so many of these items get passed?How do so many of these items get passed? Reciprocity/LogrollingReciprocity/Logrolling Senate RulesSenate Rules Committee PowerCommittee Power

Why fewer earmarks?Why fewer earmarks? Public outcry over Public outcry over national debt Special interest/watchdog scrutiny (Special interest/watchdog scrutiny (

Pig Book by CAGW)) Congressional moratoriumCongressional moratorium

Fencing the FrankFencing the Frank

Redefine the term.Redefine the term. Free mailing privilegeFree mailing privilege

Advantages of the perk?Advantages of the perk? Inform constituentsInform constituents Others?Others?

Disadvantages of the perk?Disadvantages of the perk? Huge expenseHuge expense Political advantage for incumbentsPolitical advantage for incumbents

Following their own laws Following their own laws

Why not follow some laws?Why not follow some laws? Upset checks & balances (Increase executive Upset checks & balances (Increase executive

authority over Congress)authority over Congress) Examples of exemptionsExamples of exemptions

Social SecuritySocial Security

STOCK ActSTOCK Act Congressional Accountability Act of 1995Congressional Accountability Act of 1995http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Congressional_Accountability_Act_of_1995http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Congressional_Accountability_Act_of_1995

Created Office of Compliance to solve the Created Office of Compliance to solve the issues of separation of powersissues of separation of powers

Keeping Ethical PracticesKeeping Ethical Practices

What happens when members of Congress act What happens when members of Congress act illegally or unethically?illegally or unethically? InvestigationInvestigation ResignationResignationhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Rbf-6DaNSIhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Rbf-6DaNSI Stripped of power (chairmanship)Stripped of power (chairmanship) FinesFines ReprimandReprimand CensureCensurehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g3VD5fCY6Dc&feature=fvsthttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g3VD5fCY6Dc&feature=fvst ExpulsionExpulsionhttp://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/Expulshttp://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/Expuls

AssignmentAssignment

Read pp. 368-374 & handout.Read pp. 368-374 & handout.

Create a Venn diagram to compare & Create a Venn diagram to compare & contrast the President & a Prime Minister.contrast the President & a Prime Minister.

Complete the FRQ on divided government.Complete the FRQ on divided government.

Outline 3 fears of the Framers concerning Outline 3 fears of the Framers concerning the President & the constitutional solution to the President & the constitutional solution to that fear.that fear.

Due Thursday.Due Thursday.