Basic Facts About Congress

Basic Structure Bicameral: By way of Connecticut Compromise Settled dispute over representation (large states vs. small states) Upper House: Senate Lower House: House of Representatives Not just checks and balances between branches of government but also within branches ie, 2 Houses can check each other. Senate has powers the House does not have House has powers the Senate does not have

Senate More prestige than House Represent whole state High incumbent reelection rate but not as high as House 6 year term “Continuous Body” 1/3 up for reelection every 2 years 2 Senators from each state = 100 total Smaller membership = fewer rules especially with regard to debate ie, filibuster Most rules are decided by the Senate not the Constitution; many traditions carry on Senatorial courtesy Seniority Rule

Senate Continued Considered very undemocratic and malapportioned due to the 2 senators from each state rule (Alaska vs. California for example)

House of Representatives Less prestige than senate 2 year terms: everyone up for reelection every 2 years Represent a district not a state (“at large” representative does represent state) Each representative represents an equal number of people (as much as is practical to expect) about 650,000 people Each state regardless of size has at least 1 representative 435 members total

Salary 111th Congress pay is $174,000 per year, and… Office space in D.C. and home state Staff Franking privilege Pension plan Health insurance Restaurants Fitness center Free Parking

Apportionment and Redistricting The Constitution requires that all Americans be counted every 10 years by a census. The census determines the representation in the House of Representatives. Redistricting (the redrawing of congressional districts to reflect changes in seats allocated to the states from population shifts) is done by state legislatures and, of course, always has political overtones. When the process is outrageously political, it is called gerrymandering and is often struck down by the courts.

Powers of Congress The most important constitutional power of Congress is the power to make laws. This power is shared by the House and the Senate. In order to become a law, a bill must be passed by both the House and the Senate.

Powers of Congress Continued Create courts Investigate and oversight (especially regarding executive branch actions) through hearing process Spend money, borrow money, collect taxes

Members of Congress Congress is older, better educated, whiter, and richer than most of us. However, great strides have been made. Currently, both California senators and both Maine senators are women. Can a man represent a woman? Can a white person adequately represent the views of a black person?

The Representational Role of Members of Congress How should an elected official represent his/her constituents? Trustee--representatives use their own best judgment Delegate--representatives vote the way their constituents want them to Politico--representatives act as party member