1. US Legislative Branch NCSCOS 2.02/2.03/5.04

2. Legislative Branch Located in Article I Bicameral (two parts) The main job of Congress is to make laws members are called Congressmen (or women) total of 535 members

3. Two Houses of Congress House of Representatives lower house larger body (435 members) proportional representation (VA Plan) 1 term = 2 years, unlimited at least 25 years old 7 year US citizen must live in state & district they represent Senate upper house smaller body (100 members) equal representation (NJ Plan) 1 term = 6 years, unlimited at least 30 years old 9 year US citizen must live in the state they represent

4. Leaders in Congress House of Representatives Speaker of the House Chosen by the majority political party 2 nd in line to the presidency John Boehner of Ohio

5. Leaders in Congress Senate President of the Senate Vice President of the US 1 st in line to the presidency Serves as a figure head Serves to break a tie vote Joe Biden of Delaware

6. Leaders in Congress Senate President pro tempore Runs day-to-day activities Chosen by the majority political party 3 rd in line to the presidency Patrick Leahy of Vermont

7. Other Leaders in Congress Majority Party – political party with most Representatives or Senators Majority Leaders (Senate & House) Party Whips (Senate & House) Minority Party – political party with the fewest Representatives or Senators Minority Leaders (Senate & House) Party Whips (Senate & House)

8. Non-Legislative Powers Duties other than making laws Check other branches Propose amendments Approve or reject presidential nominees Remove federal official who has committed a wrongdoing House has the sole power to impeach Senate has the sole power to hold a trial and act as jury

9. Expulsion Most serious form of disciplinary action Expel members for disorderly behavior Censure Less severe form of disciplinary action Sanctions does not remove them from office Immunity Not liable EXCEPT for treason, felony, breach of peace  cannot be arrested Franking Privilege

10. Power Limitations Congress cannot deny or pass…. writ of habeas corpus – requires police to bring a prisoner before the court bills of attainder – punish a person without a jury trial ex post facto laws – make an act a crime after the act has been committed

11. Handout Word Bank 2 6 25 25 30 30 100 100 435 435 535 535 7 years 7 years 9 years 9 years bicameral bicameral charge impeachment charge impeachment Congress Congress Congressmen (or women) Congressmen (or women) district equal representation House of Representatives Lower House (House) make laws President of the Senate (VP) President pro tempore proportional representation Senate Speaker of the House state try impeachment Upper House (Senate)