1. Our National Legislature - Congress

2. What type of government exists in America?
Parliamentary
Monarchy
Direct Democracy
Republic

3. Republic

4. Our National Legislature
Republic – representative democracy
Translates the wishes of the people into Law

5. Bicameralism
2 house legislature

6. Bicameralism: Historical
Borrowed from . . .
British and Europe

7. Bicameralism: Practical
Compromise between Big States and Small States
House – Big States; population
Senate – Small States; equal

8. Bicameralism: Theoretical
One House Checks the Other House
A Bill Must Pass both Houses

9. Reasons for Differences
The House is more responsive and accountable to public will
they represent less people and have shorter terms
The Senate is independent from short-term political pressures
longer terms provide for stability
more prestigious branch
Prevents Congress from becoming too powerful
To resolve the conflict between large and small states

10. Term of Congress
2 years
Starts 1st week of January following elections
Current Congress
114th
Jan. ‘15 – Jan. ‘17

11. Session of Congress When Congress meets to conduct business
1 Session each year
2 Sessions in a Term of Congress

12. Special Session of Congress
Can be called by the President
Can call either house
Typically the President has called the Senate to approve treaties or confirm appointees

13. Current Congressional Info
46 African American, 32 Hispanic, 11 Asian and 2 Native American members
104 Female members
28 Jewish, 2 Buddhist, 2 Muslim and 1 Hindu member
7 LGBT members