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Chapter 5 The Legislative Branch
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5-1 Congressional Membership
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It is divided into two sessions, or years.
The founders intended that the legislative branch have more power than any other branch. Each term of congress starts on Jan. 3 of odd-numbered years and lasts two years. It is divided into two sessions, or years. Read first paragraph.
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House of Representatives
The House has 435 members. They are called “representatives,” “congressmen” or “congresswomen” Qualifications: 25 years old US citizen for 7 years Legal resident of state that elects them Traditionally live in their district
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House of Representatives
Reapportionment Census is done every 10 years If states gain or lose population, they gain or lose representatives Redistricting – states set up new congressional districts after reapportionment
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Redistricting Abuses Gerrymandering – majority party draws district lines to gain an advantage. Packing – packing opposing party’s voters into one district, so opposition will win, but other districts will be “safe.” Cracking – dividing up opposing party’s voters into as many districts as possible, to dilute their vote. Read “Gerrymandering” Study map on p. 125 Study chart on p. 127
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Senate Qualifications 30 years old US citizen for 9 years
Legal resident of state they represent Term of Office Six years A third of senators elected every two years
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Senate Privileges Automatic cost-of-living salary adjustments “Franking privileges” – free postage for official business Medical clinic, gymnasium Large allowances to pay for office staff, assistants, trips home, phones, etc. Income tax deduction to help maintain two residences Free from all arrest, except in cases of treason, felony, and breach of the peace Cannot be sued for anything they say on the House or Senate floor Generous retirement Do these privileges seem excessive? Would you like to have two residences? Would you like to campaign for office?
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Senator Statistics Almost half of senators are lawyers
Typically white, middle-aged males Average age is over 50 Congress is slowly becoming more diverse About 90% of incumbents are reelected each term Read “Reelection to Congress”
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The House of Representatives,
5-2 The House of Representatives, 5-3 The Senate Read “Reelection to Congress”
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Rules House Senate Complex rules, to move legislation quickly.
Rules committee decides which bills reach the floor. Senate Fewer rules, to allow each senator full expression. Unanimous consent governs which rules reach the floor. What does it mean when a bill “reaches the floor”?
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Atmosphere & Debate House Senate Large Regulated Busy
Debate lasts less than a day Senate Small Informal Few senators present except at votes Debate may last weeks or even months Read “Reelection to Congress”
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Power of Leader House Senate Second in succession to president
Speaker powerful Second in succession to president Decides who may speak, in what order May appoint committee chairs Senate President (US Vice President) may not vote (except in case of a tie), may not participate in debate, and is rarely there President Pro Tempore usually presides President has less control over Senators than Speaker has over Representatives Read “Reelection to Congress”
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Prestige House Senate Shorter term Longer term
Fewer senators; more visible More responsibility More power – approvals, ratifications Read “Reelection to Congress”
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Important Committees House Senate
Rules – “traffic officer” for flow of legislation Ways & Means Appropriations Senate Foreign Relations Finance Read “Reelection to Congress”
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Congressional Committees 5-5 Staff and Support Agencies
5-4 Congressional Committees 5-5 Staff and Support Agencies Read “Reelection to Congress”
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Who really does the work?
Committees! Allow members of congress to specialize “Divide and conquer” huge number of bills to consider Allow for more public input Read “Reelection to Congress”
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Types of Committees Standing Committees – permanent
Subcommittees – subcategories of issues Select Committees – temporary Joint Committee – House & Senate members Conference Committees – reconcile House & Senate versions of same bill Read “Reelection to Congress”
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Committee assignments
Political parties assign members to committees Committee chairs are powerful Seniority usually governs committee assignments Read “Reelection to Congress”
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Who really does the work?
Staff! Congress has too much to do Issues have grown incredibly complex Constituents expect a lot of assistance Read “Reelection to Congress”
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Types of Staff Personal staff Hired by senators or representatives
2/3 at capital; 1/3 in home state Administrative Assistants – run offices Legislative Assistants – research issues, draft bills, attend committee meetings for Senator or Representative Caseworkers – handle constituent requests for help Committee staff Work for committees – experts in their areas; study issues, draft bills, prepare reports Read “Reelection to Congress”
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