The Legislative Branch

How Congress is Organized

The U.S. Congress Article I of the US Constitution explains the roles and responsibilities of the Legislative Branch, also known as Congress.

The U.S. Congress The Legislative Branch of the U.S. Government is made up of the – The House of Representatives – The Senate Congress consists of 535 members in a two house, or bicameral, system.

The Jobs of Congress Congress has three main jobs: – Their main duty is to make laws for the nation. – Helping constituents work out problems – Helping their district or state by pushing issues that help their own constituents.

Session of Congress Congressional Sessions last from January 3 rd until session is adjourned, or ended.

“U.S. House of Representatives” Consists of 435 total members The number of representatives for each state is based on population, each state getting at least one representative – Population is determined by a Census taken every ten years.

“U.S. House of Representatives” Requirement to become a Representative: – 25 years old – Live in the district you plan to represent – Live in the US for the past 7 years Serve 2 year terms and focus on concerns of their local constituents, or people they represent.

“U.S. Senate” Consists of 100 total members The number of Senators is based on equal representation – 2 per state. Requirement to become a Senator: – 30 years old – Live in the state you plan to represent – Live in the US for the past 9 years

“U.S. Senate” Senators serve 6 year terms with only one- third of the Senate up for reelection at a time. Focus on the concerns of the state constituents.

Congressional Leadership and Committees

Congressional Leadership Political Parties play a large role in Congress

Controlling Congress Party with the most elected members is known as the Majority Party – Each “majority party” has a majority leader, who has the task of pushing party issues on the floor of each house.

Controlling Congress Party with the least elected members is known as the Minority Party The minority party will also select a minority leader.

House of Representatives Leadership The Speaker of the House is the most powerful position in the House and is 2 nd in line for presidency, after the Vice President. He sets the agenda for the House of Representatives

“Speaker of the House” The current speaker is Rep. Paul Ryan from Wisconsin

Senate Leadership

Role of the Vice President The Senate is technically overseen over by Vice-President who cannot always be there The current Vice President is Joe Biden (D).

Senate Leadership The President Pro Tempore of the Senate is in charge when the Vice President is not there and is 3rd in line to the presidency.

“Senate Pro Tempore” The current “pro tem” of the Senate is Sen. Orrin Hatch (R) of Utah

Congressional Committees

Congressional committees are subgroups within Congress that only look at specific needs of the country. – Congress members are selected for these committees based on interest and seniority.

“Standing Committees” Standing Committee are permanent committees in both houses that meet every session.

“Select Committees” Select committees are committees created to do a special job for a limited period of time.

“Joint Committees” Joint Committees: include members from the House and Senate that work together on issues.

“Conference Committees” Conference Committees: Joint committee that works on the final wording of bills.