Use C-SPAN and C-SPAN in the Classroom's resources to study the legislative branch. Follow the links below to topic overviews, vocabulary, fun facts, quizzes, C-SPAN video clips and more. The Process | Members of Congress

Legislative Process Only members of Congress can introduce legislation, and by doing so become the sponsor(s). Rep. Charles Rangel (D-NY) Rep. Bill Thomas (R-CA) Legislative Process Overview   The Vote Members of Congress register their approval or disapproval of bills on the floor by voting. View Clip Activity

Checks & Balances The Constitution provides for a system of checks and balances so that no one branch of government has unlimited power over another. View Clip Activity   Confirmation Process The Senate must confirm the president's  nominations to the Supreme Court, the cabinet and other executive staff. View Clip Activity

Members of Congress Discover how members of Congress engage in the legislative process to draft, debate, and vote on bills.

Committee Work Small working groups in Congress hold hearings to investigate proposed legislation. View Clip Activity   U.S. Senators Each state has two senators. Each senator serves a term of six years. View Clip Activity

U.S. Representatives U.S. Representatives are based on the states population. Each representative serves a term of two years. View Clip Activity Follow a Bill What are they talking about on C-SPAN? Before you tune into C-SPAN Live!, research a bill. Follow a Bill Worksheet House Schedule Senate Schedule Current Legislation C-SPAN Live!

Video Resources	Booknotes Resources
Senate Judiciary Cmte. Judicial Appointments Confirmation Hearing House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) Weekly Briefing	John Jackley Hill Rat: Blowing the Lid Off Congress Charles Lewis The Buying of the Congress: How Special Interests Have Stolen Your Right to Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness George Will Restoration: Congress, Term Limits and the Recovery of Deliberative Democracy Richard Cohen Rostenkowski: The Pursuit of Power and the End of the Old Politics