The United States Legislative Branch Congress: The Senate and House of Representatives

The United States Capital Building House of Representatives Senate

The Senate

Capital Building – The Senate

The Senate “Higher House” Number of Members: 100 Senators, 2 per State Leadership: President of the Senate (which is the Vice President of the United States), President Pro Tempore (temporary leader when President is not presiding) Political Party Leaders: Majority Leader and Whip, Minority Leader and Whip

The Senate “Higher House” Qualifications: At least 30 years of age 9 years a Citizen Must live in the State you represent Term of Office: 6 years per term – no term limit Representation: 2 Senators per State Senators represent the whole State

The Senate “Higher House” Election(s): The Senate is called “A Continuous Body” … All Senate seats are not up for election/re-election at one time. Elections are staggered and held every two (2) years for 1/3 of the seats. This ensures that “experienced” Senators are always in office.

The Senate “Higher House” Election(s): The Senate is called “A Continuous Body” … The ‘Framers’ reasoning behind the “Continuous Body” is the six (6) year term and election allows Senators to be less subject to the pressures of public opinion pleas of special interests. The ‘Framers’ intended the Senate focus on the Nation and Foreign Issues while the House of Representative focused on more Domestic Issues.

The Senate “Higher House” High House – The Senate is considered the Higher of the two (2) Houses in Congress. The Senate is granted several powers that the House of Representatives are not granted. For example… Ratify Treaties with Foreign Nations Consent or Approve Presidential Appointments The Senate is the trial court for Impeachment hearings of Government Officials

The House of Representatives

Capital Building – House of Representatives

House of Representatives “Lower House” Number of Members: 435 Representatives 435 is an artificial number permanently set by the Reapportionment Act of 1929 because Congress was getting too large as the American population grew. Based on Population of the United States as a whole by State. Every Ten (10) years a “Census” or “Population Count” is conducted to determine the number of Americans Nationwide by State. Once the Census is complete the number of seats are “Re-apportioned” (reallocated or redistributed) Leadership: Speaker of the House Political Party Leaders: Majority Leader and Whip, Minority Leader and Whip

House of Representatives “Lower House” Qualifications: At least 25 years of age 7 years a Citizen Must live in the “Congressional District” you represent (explained on the next slide) Term of Office: 2 Years – no term limit Representation: Based on population of the state. Each State is guaranteed at least 1 Representative.

House of Representatives “Lower House” Congressional District The geographic area a Congressperson represents “Drawn/Re-Drawn” every ten (10) years following a Census. This process is also called Re-apportionment The area roughly has 675,000* to 710,000** Americans (*1999 Census, **2009 census pending) People who live in the Congressional District are called “Constituents”. Those who are represented by an “Elected Official” living in a District or State.

House of Representatives “Lower House” Election – Elections for the House of Representatives are held every two (2) years for all seats. With elections every two (2) years, Representatives must constantly stay informed and in touch with issues important to their Constituents

House of Representatives “Lower House” Lower House – The House of Representatives is considered the Lower of the two (2) Houses in Congress. The House is considered the Lower House because… Shorter terms Generally Representatives focus on the needs of their Congressional District Representatives spend about 30% of the Congressional Session in their Congressional District.

Congressional Election Presidential Election Years – every 4 years (2000, 2004, 2008, 2012, 2016, 2020, etc…) Elections are held the Tuesday following the first Monday on November nationwide. Off Year Elections – between Presidential Elections (2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022, etc…)