1. THE NATIONAL LEGISLATURE

2. Representative Democracy  You are not responsible for carrying out everyday functions of the government  Congress is the best example of representative democracy  You vote for people, they represent you  Congress does the most basic of tasks in government  Makes laws  Most important branch

3. National Congress

4. Why is it Bicameral?  There are three reasons Congress is Bicameral  Historical, practical, theoretical  Historical  British Parliament had consisted of two houses since the 1300s  Most colonial assemblies were as well  Georgia and Pennsylvania were unicameral  Nebraska is only state that is unicameral now

5. Why is it Bicameral?  Practical  Needed a two house congress as compromise  Virginia Plan and New Jersey Plan  Good example of federalism  Theoretical  Two houses would provide a systems of checks and balances  Both with each other and the other branches of government  People still argue against equal representation in the senate

6. Terms and Sessions  Each term of Congress lasts for two years  Used to start on March 4 th (Why?)  The 20 th Amendment changed the date  Starts on January 3 rd of odd years  There are two sessions to each term  Both houses must agree to adjourn  Only 26 special sessions have ever been called  Last was in 1948 (Post-WWII issues)  Senate has been called 46 times by itself  Treaties and Appointments  Special sessions have been used as threats