1. Section 1: Congressional Membership

2.  “the First Branch of this Government”  Article I of the Constitution  Set up Bicameral legislature- two houses  Senate  House of Representatives  Purpose Representation Formulating national policies Initiating and approving laws

3.  Terms Begin January 3 rd, odd-numbered years 2 sessions (session=1 yr) 20 th Amendment (1933) Congress opens each session with a prayer (official rules) Congress remains in session until members vote to adjourn POTUS may call Congress back for a special session

4.  435 members

5.  Qualifications Set by the Constitution:  At least 25 years old  Citizen of U.S. for at least 7 years  Legal resident of the state that elects them  Term of Office 2 year terms November elections, even-numbered years House reorganizes every two years 90% of representatives are re-elected

6.  Representation Census Bureau  Census reapportionment- reassigning representation based on population.  States may lose or gain representation Reapportionment Act of 1929  Limited House to 435 members  Each census determines how these seats will be divided.

7.  Congressional Redistricting Each state sets up congressional districts Redistricting- the process of setting up new district lines after reapportionment.  Most state legislatures draw district line  Some abuse this power Redistrict Cases:  Baker v. Carr  Wesberry v. Sanders  Districts have about 650,000 people

8.  1: Jo Bonner  2: Martha Roby  3: Mike Rogers  4: Robert Aderholt  5: Mo Brooks  6: Spencer Bachus  7: Terri Sewell

9.  Means that the political party controlling the state government draws a district’s boundaries to gain an advantage in elections. Packing- putting as many of the opposing party’s voters as possible into certain districts Cracking- dividing the opposition into other districts

10.  100 members, 2 from each state  Qualifications (set by Constitution) At least 30 years old Citizens of U.S. for 9 years Legal resident of state they represent  Term of Office Elections are at-large 6 year term 1/3 of senators run for re-election every two years

11. Both houses set their own salaries…. 27 th Amendment Allowances to pay office staff & assistants, trips home, etc. Income tax deductions & pensions Franking privileges- other benefits and resources including stationary and postage for official business. Free from arrest while attending Congress or on the way to Congress Except in case of treason, felony, or breach of peace May be censure (vote of formal disapproval)

12.  Characteristics Nearly half of all members are lawyers Business, banking, and education Typically white, middle-aged males (CT pg. 129)  Reelection “All members of Congress have one primary interest—to be reelected.” Incumbents- members already in office  Easier to raise campaign funds  Gerrymandered districts  Better known