1. Purposi Be able to define the following:
Census
Reapportionment
Impeachment
Filibuster
We will compare the two houses of Congress
We will look at the perks of being a Congressperson

2. United States Congress

3. The Two Chambers

4. House of Representatives
“House of the People”

5. House of Representatives Qualifications
25 years old
Citizen of U.S. for at least 7 years
Legal resident of state that elects them
Traditionally live in district that they represent

7. House of Representatives Term of Office
Elections held in Nov. of even-numbered years
Elected every 2 years – continuity because 90% are reelected
If die/resign – governor appoints temporary replacement until special elections

8. House of Representatives Representation &Reapportionment
Based on population
Use census that is taken every 10 years to determine # of reps. and reapportionment
Originally had 64 representatives – now 435

9. Unique Characteristics
435 members total elected directly by the people
One congressman represents about 660,000 people
All bills having to do with spending money must start in this House, not the Senate
Has a “Rules Committee” to make rules for deliberating bills
Has sole power of Impeachment

10. United States Congress

11. Senate
“House of Wisdom”

12. Senate Qualifications
Must be 30 years old
Citizen of U.S. for 9 years
Legal resident of the state they represent
Voters of each state elect senators at large = statewide

13. Senate Terms of Office elections held in Nov. of even-numbered years
6 year terms, only 1/3 of senators run for reelection every 2 years
If dies/resigns the state legislature can authorize governor to appoint someone to fill vacancy until next election

14. Original Intent
Senators were originally chosen by the State Legislatures
Why?
The 17th Amendment (1913) changed the manner of their election to Direct Election

15. Unique Characteristics
Two Senators per state, Equal Representation
Power to try impeached officials
Power to approve all Presidential appointees and treaties
No rules in Senate for debate
Filibuster

16. Membership of Congress “The Perks”

17. Salary and Benefits Senate and House set own salaries
27th Amendment said Congressional salary increase will take effect after next election
Year 2008 = $169,300
Medical, Retirement, etc . . .

18. Privileges of Members
Free from arrest “in all cases except treason, felony, and breach of peace” when attending Congress or to and from Congress
Can’t be sued for anything said on House/Senate floor – but doesn’t extend to outside of Congress

19. Many from business, banking, education
Characteristics
Almost ½ are lawyers
Many from business, banking, education
Typically white, Protestant males
Average age is usually over 50

20. 2008 Congressional Demographics
Senate
17 Women
13 Jews
1 Japanese-American
1 Hispanic-American
1 Native Hawaiian
1 African-American
Average Age: 62 Years old

21. House 1 Muslim 2 Buddhists 30 Jews 42 African Americans 74 women
27 Hispanics
3 Asian Americans
1 Native American

22. Importance of Party Affiliation
In House and Senate
Republicans sit on right side
Democrats on left
In both – the largest part(majority) selects the leaders, controls the flow of legislative work and appoints committee chairs

23. Reelection to Congress
Very seldom not reelected
Between 1945 and 1990 – 90% of incumbents won reelection
Why?
Easier to raise campaign funds, may represent districts that have worked in their favor, better known voters