Wikipedia:Reference desk/Archives/Humanities/2014 July 5

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July 5

Congressional sessions in the 19th century

In the 19th and early 20th century Congress was always in session after the next election was held (between November and March). Incoming presidents signed their first bill a year into their term, so congress was out of session for a long time. Then congress passed a large number of laws in the closing months of the election cycle; many presidents signed bills in the time between the election and inauguartion of their successors. What's the reason for this? In my opinion, it's unlogical to make laws after a new congress (and president) is elected and doing almost nothing in the first twelve months after the inauguartion of the senators, congressmen and president. --89.12.6.172 (talk) 17:38, 5 July 2014 (UTC)

See Lame duck (politics) where it explains the situations you are asking about. --Jayron32 00:19, 6 July 2014 (UTC)

Us tribal reservation law enforcement

Do the law enforcement officers of us tribal reservations count as US federal law enforcement officers?— Preceding unsigned comment added by 90.192.110.77 (talk • contribs)

That appears to depend on whether they're officers hired by the tribal reservation or granted to them by the US government. The Bureau of Indian Affairs Police enforce federal laws (so probably a "yes" to your question), while Indian tribal police appear to only have authority on the reservation (so a "no" to your question). Ian.thomson (talk) 20:15, 5 July 2014 (UTC)