1. UNIT IV – Legislative and Executive Branches

2. Called: Congress Role: To make laws Meet: In Washington, D.C. at the U.S. Capitol Houses: 2 (bicameral) – Senate and House of Representatives

3. HOUSE OF REPRESENATIVES Number based on population 435 members Lower house of Congress Lower requirements for membership Members represent a district 2 year terms SENATE Number equal, 2 for each state 100 members Upper house of Congress Higher requirements for membership Members represent state 6 year terms, staggered elections

4. To help Congress run smoothly, it is divided into committees Every member of Congress is assigned to at least one committee in their house Each committee focuses on a different subject such as education, foreign affairs, agriculture, etc. Members are assigned based on expertise and seniority, meaning the longer they have been in Congress, the more likely they are to get the committee they want Whichever party has the most members (majority party) will have more people in each committee

5. Standing Committee – permanent Select Committee – temporary Joint Committee – contains members from both houses Conference Committee – temporarily formed so both houses can reach a final agreement on a bill

6. Richard Hudson Represents NC District 8 Republican Thom Tillis Up for re-election in 2020 Republican Richard Burr Up for re-election in 2016 Republican HOUSESENATE

7. HOUSE OF REPRESENATIVES Speaker of the House Plays a large role in influencing legislation, member of majority party SENATE President of the Senate Position held by VP, rarely there, can only vote in a tie President Pro Tempore In charge when VP is absent Only ceremonial leader, not influential, member of majority party BOTH HOUSES Majority and Minority Leaders Leader of the party with the most/least amount of members Try to get laws passed that their party supports Majority and Minority Whips Work with leaders to keep party members in check, “whip” them into shape

8. John Boehner Speaker of the House Republican Joe Biden President of the Senate (VP) Democrat Orrin Hatch President Pro Tempore Republican RETIRING AT END OF OCTOBER

9. Kevin McCarthy (R) House Majority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D) House Minority Leader Harry Reid (D) Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R) Senate Majority Leader

11. Teacher PlanStudent Plan When may cell phones be used?  Before & After School  Anytime  Before & After School  Anytime When is texting allowed?  Family Emergencies  Anytime  Family Emergencies  Anytime May students listen to music on cell phones during class?  Never  Anytime  Never  Anytime What should happen if a student makes a cell phone call during class?  Office holds phone  Teacher asks student to wait  Office holds phone  Teacher asks student to wait May students use Internet on phones during class?  No  Yes  No  Yes ROUND 1 Each person gets one vote ROUND 2 Each group gets one vote Teachers’ Plan Students’ Plan WINNER

12. Compromise Proposals When may cell phones be used? When is texting allowed? May students listen to music on cell phones during class? What should happen if a student makes a cell phone call during class? May students use their Internet on their cell phones during class? ROUND 1 Each person gets to vote ROUND 2 Each group gets to vote Teachers Students Pass? _____ COMPROMISE PLAN PASSES BOTH ROUNDS! IT WINS! _____ COMPROMISE PLAN DID NOT PASS BOTH ROUNDS. IF FAILS!