Congress Article One: Legislative Branch = (House + Senate) Makes Laws

A. House of Representatives A. House of Representatives 25 years old; citizen 7 years; resident of state; 25 years old; citizen 7 years; resident of state; 2 year term – no term limit 2 year term – no term limit Representation is apportioned (distributed) among the states on the basis of population, with each state guaranteed at least one rep. Representation is apportioned (distributed) among the states on the basis of population, with each state guaranteed at least one rep. (435 total now days)

/Congress01-state-E_43697_7.pdf /Congress01-state-E_43697_7.pdf /Congress01-state-E_43697_7.pdf /Congress01-state-E_43697_7.pdf Each districts electorate (people who vote) votes for the one person who will represent that district in the House of Reps in D.C. Each districts electorate (people who vote) votes for the one person who will represent that district in the House of Reps in D.C.

B. Senate 30 years old; citizen 9 years; live in state; 30 years old; citizen 9 years; live in state; 6 Year Term – no limit 6 Year Term – no limit Staggered Elections – one third of the senate (a class) is elected every 2 years Staggered Elections – one third of the senate (a class) is elected every 2 years Provide consistency – create a continuous body Provide consistency – create a continuous body

Term vs Session – Term vs Session – Term begins 1/3/odd # yearsTerm begins 1/3/odd # years Session- period of time that Congress meets each year, neither house may adjourn w/out consent of the otherSession- period of time that Congress meets each year, neither house may adjourn w/out consent of the other

Both Houses Salary – 165,200 per year; paid by Fed. Gov’t Salary – 165,200 per year; paid by Fed. Gov’t Franking Privilege – mail things for free Franking Privilege – mail things for free Travel allowances Travel allowances Direct Elections – citizens from district/state elect Rep.’s & Senators Direct Elections – citizens from district/state elect Rep.’s & Senators Win by a pluralityWin by a plurality

Roles of Congressmen 1) Legislators - _____________ 1) Legislators - _____________ 2) Represent Constituents (the people that are in their district) 2) Represent Constituents (the people that are in their district) 3) Committee members – both houses have standing & special committees = purpose is to screen proposed legislation. Committees also keep an eye on various government agencies 4) Serve Constituents

C. Congressional Powers C. Congressional Powers Enumerated/Expressed - Powers delegated to the National Government; specifically listed in Constitution Enumerated/Expressed - Powers delegated to the National Government; specifically listed in Constitution (17 powers for Congress) See worksheet for list – Build Army, Taxes, DECLARE WAR, laws for D.C. See worksheet for list – Build Army, Taxes, DECLARE WAR, laws for D.C.

Congressional Powers Con’t Implied Powers – powers not specifically stated but can be reasonably connected to an expressed power. Example: make bombs Implied Powers – powers not specifically stated but can be reasonably connected to an expressed power. Example: make bombs The last enumerated power allows for all laws necessary and proper to carry out these duties (Nec. & Prop. Clause) The last enumerated power allows for all laws necessary and proper to carry out these duties (Nec. & Prop. Clause) = Elastic Clause = Elastic Clause

Congressional Powers Con’t Inherent Powers - powers that naturally go with the Supreme power/government. Powers that exist because the country exists. Inherent Powers - powers that naturally go with the Supreme power/government. Powers that exist because the country exists. Example: acquire territory;Example: acquire territory;

Interpretation of the Constitution: Strict Constructionists - literal interpretation, powers only as exactly written, no reading between the lines, very little implied power. Strict Constructionists - literal interpretation, powers only as exactly written, no reading between the lines, very little implied power. (Conservative interpretation) Loose Constructionists - allow for implications/extend powers Loose Constructionists - allow for implications/extend powers (Liberal Interpretation)

Special Duties of Congress House House tax billstax bills Impeaches = accuseImpeaches = accuse Senate: Senate: Trials of ImpeachmentTrials of Impeachment Approve Presidential actionsApprove Presidential actions Supreme Ct. Justices, Ambassadors, Treaties

Special Duties Congress ( takes both houses) Congress ( takes both houses) DECLARE WARDECLARE WAR Over ride Veto – 2/3 voteOver ride Veto – 2/3 vote Approve Presidential Spending – power of the purseApprove Presidential Spending – power of the purse