Article I: The Legislative Branch The U.S. Constitution Article I: The Legislative Branch

House Of Representatives term = 2 yrs must be at least 25 yrs old citizen for 7 years resident of state number of reps based on pop, at least 1 per state

The Senate Term = 6 years elections take place every 2 yrs must be at least 30 yrs old citizen for 9 yrs resident of state Pres of senate is Vice Pres

Responsibilities of Chambers House- all tax bills must originate here Senate 2/3 must Confirm Pres nominations Approve all treaties

Leadership Positions House of Reps leader is Speaker of the House always elected, must be part of majority party Senate leader is called Senate Majority Leader elected by majority party Pres of the Senate is Vice Pres

Powers of Congress Enumerated Powers- powers that are specifically listed in the Constitution Declare war Create, collect taxes Borrow, print money Regulate citizenship Build post offices Establish lower federal courts Raise armies and navies

Powers Cont… Elastic clause- Congress can pass any law necessary in order to fulfill enumerated powers Power of Impeachment House has power to charge elected officials with misconduct Senate conducts the trial and convicts

Committees Write rough drafts of new laws Review nominees Conduct investigations of government Compromise on differences on legislation Determine who gets what, when, where, how Congress is a collection of committees Sub committees start legislation

Types of Committees Standing Committee: Permanent and source of most bills Special/Select Committee: Created for temporary priorities of congress Joint Committee: Have members of the house and the senate