U.S. Government- 2013

What do you know about Congress? List 3 things:

 Bicameral legislature  Session  Census  Reapportionment  Redistrict  Gerrymander  At-large  Censure  Incumbent

 Each Term starts on January 3 of odd- numbered years and lasts 2 years.  Each term is divided into two sessions (meetings); a session = 1 year  Congress remains in session until its members vote to adjourn.  If Congress is adjourned, the president may call it back for a special session.

 435 Members- Based on Population  A. Members must be: years old 2. U.S. citizens 7+ years 3. Residents of the state they represent  B. House members serve 2-year terms

 C. The number of state representatives is apportioned according to the census every 10 years (2000, 2010, 2020, etc.)  D. Congressional districts are determined by state legislatures  E. One representative from each district represents approx. 750,000 people  California has 53 representatives (largest)

 After the 10 year Census is taken (2000, 2010, 2020, etc.) the number of Representatives may be reapportioned to account for changes in population  Reapportionment after 2012 Census Reapportionment after 2012 Census  State legislatures then sets the new districts  Some states abuse this power in two ways 1. Districts with very unequal population 2. Gerrymandering (ruling political parties redraw boundaries to gain electoral advantages)

 A. Members must be: years old 2. U.S. citizens 9+ years 3. Residents of the state they represent  B. Senate members serve 6-year terms  C. Each state elects 2 senators  100 Senators

 VP Joe Biden  Presides over the Senate  Cannot partake in Senate debates  Votes only in a tie

A. Financial benefits: 1. Set their members’ salaries 2. Allowances for office, staff and business trips 3. Tax breaks for two residences (D.C. & home state) 4. Sizable retirement pensions B. Immunity from arrest in: 1. Non-felony or non-treason cases 2. Anything they say on the House or Senate Floor C. Both houses can censure or even expel members

 Almost half of members are lawyers  Most come from business, banking, and education  Most members of Congress win reelection  Incumbents (members already in office)  Incumbents are successful in reelections because they find it easier to raise campaign funds (PAC’S- Political Action Committees)  Incumbents also may represent districts that have been gerrymandered in their party’s favor.

 Think about the key characteristics and qualifications of the members of Congress. Do you think there should be other qualifications to run for a House or Senate seat?