1. Article I: The Legislative Branch
The U.S. Constitution
Article I: The Legislative Branch

2. House Of Representatives
term = 2 yrs
must be at least 25 yrs old
citizen for 7 years
resident of state
number of reps based on pop, at least 1 per state

3. The Senate Term = 6 years elections take place every 2 yrs
must be at least 30 yrs old
citizen for 9 yrs
resident of state
Pres of senate is Vice Pres

4. Responsibilities of Chambers
House- all tax bills must originate here
Senate 2/3 must
Confirm Pres nominations
Approve all treaties

5. Leadership Positions House of Reps leader is Speaker of the House
always elected, must be part of majority party
Senate leader is called Senate Majority Leader
elected by majority party
Pres of the Senate is Vice Pres

6. Powers of Congress
Enumerated Powers- powers that are specifically listed in the Constitution
Declare war
Create, collect taxes
Borrow, print money
Regulate citizenship
Build post offices
Establish lower federal courts
Raise armies and navies

7. Powers Cont…
Elastic clause- Congress can pass any law necessary in order to fulfill enumerated powers
Power of Impeachment
House has power to charge elected officials with misconduct
Senate conducts the trial and convicts

8. Committees Write rough drafts of new laws Review nominees
Conduct investigations of government
Compromise on differences on legislation
Determine who gets what, when, where, how
Congress is a collection of committees
Sub committees start legislation

9. Types of Committees
Standing Committee: Permanent and source of most bills
Special/Select Committee: Created for temporary priorities of congress
Joint Committee: Have members of the house and the senate