1. Unit 3: The Legislative Branch The Structure of the Legislative Branch

2. Main Idea: Introduction to the Legislative Branch Notes: The Legislative Branch was designed by the Constitution to hold the most responsibility for the development of our Republic (aka Representative Democracy) and was intended to be the largest. The Legislative Branch was designed by the Constitution to hold the most responsibility for the development of our Republic (aka Representative Democracy) and was intended to be the largest.

3. The Structure of the Legislative Branch Main Idea: Introduction to the Legislative Branch (cont’d.) Notes: It is also the only branch of our federal government that members are directly elected by the people. It is also the only branch of our federal government that members are directly elected by the people.

4. The Structure of the Legislative Branch Main Idea: Bicameral Legislature Notes: In the U.S., we have a Bicameral (or 2 house) Legislative Body: In the U.S., we have a Bicameral (or 2 house) Legislative Body: 1.The House of Representatives 2.The Senate Together these two chambers are referred to as Congress. Together these two chambers are referred to as Congress. A legislative term in Congress is 2 years in length. There are 2 sessions in a term (1 year each), with breaks and recesses included. A legislative term in Congress is 2 years in length. There are 2 sessions in a term (1 year each), with breaks and recesses included.

5. The Structure of the Legislative Branch Main Idea: Formal Qualifications for Members of the House of Representatives Notes: There are 435 seats in the House of Representatives. Each state gets a portion based on population (census info.) There are 435 seats in the House of Representatives. Each state gets a portion based on population (census info.) To be eligible for election in the House of Representatives you must: To be eligible for election in the House of Representatives you must: 1.Be at least 25 years old. 2.Be a citizen of the U.S. for at least 7 years. 3.Be a legal resident of the state you wish to represent (and usually of the district).

6. The Structure of the Legislative Branch Main Idea: Formal Qualifications for Members of the Senate Notes: There are 100 seats in the Senate, two senators representing each state. There are 100 seats in the Senate, two senators representing each state. To be eligible for election in the Senate you must: To be eligible for election in the Senate you must: 1.Be at least 30 years old. 2.Be a citizen of the U.S. for at least 9 years. 3.Be a legal resident of the state you wish to represent.

7. The Structure of the Legislative Branch Main Idea: Taking Office in Congress Notes: Both the House and Senate have their new members take office on Jan. 3, following their November election. Both the House and Senate have their new members take office on Jan. 3, following their November election. – The Senate serves 6 yr terms and only 1/3 of the members are up for re-election every 2 years. That way there is continuity.

8. The Structure of the Legislative Branch Main Idea: Benefits for members of Congress Notes: The 27 th Amendment allows Congress to set its own salary— but only in election years. The 27 th Amendment allows Congress to set its own salary— but only in election years. “The Franklin Privilege” gives members free postage and stationary to conduct business. “The Franklin Privilege” gives members free postage and stationary to conduct business. Members are given an allowance to pay for aides and office staff, trips home, communication devices. Members are given an allowance to pay for aides and office staff, trips home, communication devices. Members are also given tax incentives and up to $150,000/year “for life” pension. Members are also given tax incentives and up to $150,000/year “for life” pension.