Legislative Branch

Ratification  9/13 states needed to approve the Constitution Federalists  in favor of ratification Anti-federalists  not in favor of ratification  thought it gave too much power to the federal gov’t Federalist Papers  series of papers published to support Federalist ideas PASSING THE CONSTITUTION

JOB Makes the laws It is made up of 2 Houses

Lower House House of Representatives 435 How Many? Leader All members have 2 year terms Speaker of the House

Membership Each member represents a district of approximately 500,000 people Currently there is: 233 – Republicans 200 – Democrats 0 – Independents 2 – Vacancy

Western NY Representatives Louise Slaughter Chris Collins Brian Higgins

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Speaker of the House Highest ranking officer John Boehner (R-Ohio)

Qualifications Must be at least 25 years old Must be a U.S. citizen for 7 yrs Resident of the district

Duties – Powers of the House Bring up impeachment charges All revenue/money bills (proposals to become laws) start in the House Choose president if electoral college has no majority

Upper House Senate 100 How Many? Leaders All members have 6 year terms

Membership 100 members in the Senate Each state has 2 Senators 1/3 elected every 2 years Currently there is: 52 – Democrats 46 – Republicans 2 – Independents

Harry Reid (D) – Nevada Senate Majority Leader He is the Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R) – KY

New York Senators Kirsten Gillibrand(D) Chuck Shumer (D)

Qualifications Must be 30 years old Must be a U.S. citizen for 9 years Resident of the state representing

Duties Serve as jury for impeachment trial Ratify all treaties (2/3 vote) Approve appointments by President

Powers of Congress Taxation Declare War Commerce Money Credit Post Office International laws

Elastic Clause Aka: Necessary & Proper Clause  “Congress can make all laws that are necessary & proper” Gives Congress the ability to expand, or stretch its specific powers to meet needs of a changing society