Federal Government

Original Capital Building

The Apotheosis of Washington

Congress Bicameral Most powerful branch of govt. House of Representatives Senate Most powerful branch of govt. Initiates and approves all laws

Congressional Powers Impeachment Power of the Purse Power to declare war Power to regulate interstate Commerce Confirm presidential appointments Ratify treaties

Congressional Sessions Each term is divided into 2 sessions, beginning in January of odd-numbered years

115th Congress Senate HOR 52 Rep. 46 Dem. 2 Ind. 238 Rep. 193 Dem. 4 Vacant

House of Representatives Membership 435 Members Number of seats is apportioned among the states based on population

Qualifications 25 yrs. old US citizen for 7 yrs. Live in the district they represent

Term of Office 2 yr. terms Election in November of even-numbered years

Magnolia

Representation and Reapportionment Census Bureau conducts a census, population count, every 10 yrs. Reapportionment: when a new census changes the number of reps. a state is entitled to Redistricting: process of setting up new district lines after reapportionment has been completed

Abuses of Redistricting Gerrymandering: When a political party controlling the state govt. draws a district’s boundaries to gain an advantage in elections

The Senate Membership 2 Senators from each state

Qualifications 30 yrs. old US citizen for 9 yrs. Legal resident of the state they represent Elected at-large state wide

Term of Office Election in November of even-numbered years 6 Yr. terms Only 1/3 of senators can run for reelection

Reelection Incumbents: those members already in office 90% reelection rate Easier to raise funds District gerrymandered to their favor Better known to voters Easily solve the voters’ problems Franking privilege: free postage