Chapter 15 Congress

Photo of Congress

Legislative Branch Constitutional Roots Checks and balances created Article I created bicameral legislature or Congress = two parts House of Representatives = lower house Membership based on population of the state 435 members total

U.S. House of Representatives Requirements 25 years old lived in the US for seven years legal resident of the state represented Length of term Elected every two years Keep in touch with constituents More democratic because it changes more frequently Small districts Redistricting based on the population every 10 years

U. S. Senate Senate = upper house Two members per state, total 100 members Requirements 30 years old lived in US for nine years legal resident of the state represented Length of term Six year term Powerful position Statewide election Name recognition

The Powers of Congress Most important duty is to make laws Bills, proposed laws, must be approved by both the House and Senate Impose taxes Regulate interstate commerce Establish a national bank Establish a post office Declare war Raise and support an Army and Navy Establish a court system Borrow and spend money Propose amendments to the Constitution

House of Representatives Specific Powers Select the president if Electoral College cannot Initiate impeachment of the government official

Senate Specific Powers Confirms the presidential cabinet and judiciary Try impeached government official

Congressional Duties Work has to please constituents 15 hour days Time spent between Washington and home state Casework = assisting constituents with their problems Large offices with large numbers of staff Salary of $129,000 per year Cannot be paid for speeches or public appearances

Incumbency Advantages Incumbent = person who is currently holding office For the most part win Senate 70 percent chance that they will win House – 90 percent chance that they will win Resources Franking privilege = free use of US mail Travel expenses paid by the taxpayers Name recognition Campaign funding from interest groups and individual

Membership in Congress More educated More white More male Wealthier Senate – called “Millionaires club”

Organization of Congress Senate Majority Leader is the head Not many rules to follow Vice President is the tie breaker in voting

Organization of Congress House of Representatives Speaker of the House is the leader Determines committees Appoints members to the Rules Committee Determines who will speak Elected by the membership

Committee System Screen and write legislation Work done in committees Experts developed Standing committees = permanent committees Bills must pass through standing committees Committees chaired by majority party Committee may rewrite bills or write their own bills Less than 10 percent of the bills make it to the floor of the House or Senate Membership and leadership based on length of time in office = seniority system

How a Bill Becomes Law Member of Congress must introduce bill Steps to a law Member of Congress must introduce bill Bill is given a number and sent to committee Committee sends the bill for research Moves to standing committee Sent to the House or Senate floor for approval Both the House and Senate approve Given to the president for approval