The Legislative Branch

Stomping Grounds Most legislators begin their political careers at a more local level of government such as city council, moving up to state legislature. After gaining experience, the candidate may make a push at running for the House of Representatives or Senate at the federal level. As lawmakers move upward on the legislative path, their job is to serve their constituents, or people in the home districts and states.

Qualifications In order to serve as a member of Congress, members must be residents of the state in which they are elected. House members must be at least 25 years of age, and US citizen for at least 7 years. Qualifications at the state and local levels are less strict – people not far removed from high school may qualify for election to school boards, town council, and even state legislature. 21 year old Justin Chenette of Maine became the youngest state legislator in the country.

Additional Qualifications For the longest time, informal qualifications included race, ethnicity, gender, and education level. During the earlier part of our country’s history, lawmakers were expected to be white males, within the middle and upper classes of society. During the 60’s and 70’s lawmakers were expanded to include women and some minority figures within state offices. With regards to education- most legislators hold college degrees typically in business or law

Apportionment Senate= 100 seats (2 per state) House of Reps= 435 seats, one for each congressional district. Seat allocation was capped in 1911, however if US seeks further districting, that number may be changed by Congress at any given time. Seats of the House are divided based on state population. Census held every 10 years

Running for Election The job of the legislator relies one of two main principles: to be a delegate or a trustee. Delegates seek to represent their district by responding directly to the wishes or needs of their constituents, or the people they represent. Trustees represent their district by using their best judgment- usually involves a complex or controversial issue where it’s a split vote.

The Power of the Incumbency Many legislators stay in office so as long as their constituents continue to want them there. Term limits apply to state legislators, not congressional ones (unless an amendment were to regulate them) Incumbents have a number of advantages over their challengers including: Name recognition Office Resources Campaign Funds Bragging Rights

Organization of Congress The Great Compromise during Constitutional talks, allowed for a bicameral Congress with bodies in the House of Representatives and Senate. House of Reps Senate 435 Members 100 Members 2 year terms 6 year terms Elected in Districts Elected by States Tighter Rules Looser Rules First Wave Second Wave/Filter

Speaker of the House: Decides what bills are to be debated by the full House and when. Majority and Minority Leaders: Majority leaders are to manage legislation on the House floor, whereas the minority leader is the main strategist. Majority and Minority Whips: Keep the members of Congress under control, maintain party affiliation and order. “Whip the votes, for party direction”

President of the Senate: Vice President of the U. S President of the Senate: Vice President of the U.S.- very inactive; only appears in order to break a tie or ceremonies of sort. President pro tempore: Fill-in during V.P’s absence on the Senate floor. Majority Leader: spokesperson for the party with most Senate seats: Minority Leader: leader of the minority party in Senate

Committee System All 535 members of Congress simply do not have the time or full experience to handle every aspect and duty given to them. Instead, they rely on various committee’s to handle the workload given to them. Congress has 5 types of committees, some permanent, some temporary. Standing Committee Subcommittee Special Committee Joint Committee Conference Committee

Standing committee (permanent): committees that handle most of the legislative business; designated responsibilities. Subcommittee (usually permanent): work underneath standing committees; review legislation. Select/Special Committee (temporary): investigate any problems with legislation; do not review it, only offer suggestions. Joint Committee (permanent): made up of members of both the House and Senate. Conference Committee (temporary): formed to iron out differences between two versions of a bill.

Staffing Representatives average about 16 staffers/representative, whereas senators average about 40 staffers. Perform a variety of task from answering phones, questions from constituents, preparing speeches and in many cases drafting bills or contributing towards one. Committees exist to inform Congressmen and women of how much cost is estimated with each bill being brought forth for debate.

Groups within Groups Several caucuses and coalitions exist between members of Congress regardless of political affiliation. Unite for a similar cause (race, gender, climate issues, etc.) Congress members have two primary objectives that go hand in hand; serve their constituent in their home states, while performing their duties as lawmakers nationwide.

Congressional Powers Article I of the Constitution outlines Congress’ legislative powers with creating laws. Also has the ability to: Levy and collect taxes Borrow money Regulate interstate and foreign trade Coin money Declare war

Check-mate Congress also has the ability to “check” the work of the other branches through the following processes: Oversight Confirmation Impeachment Ratification Override Amendment