1. The Legislative Branch

2. Stomping Grounds
Most legislators begin their political careers at a more local level of government such as city council, moving up to state legislature.
After gaining experience, the candidate may make a push at running for the House of Representatives or Senate at the federal level.
As lawmakers move upward on the legislative path, their job is to serve their constituents, or people in the home districts and states.

3. Qualifications
In order to serve as a member of Congress, members must be residents of the state in which they are elected.
House members must be at least 25 years of age, and US citizen for at least 7 years.
Qualifications at the state and local levels are less strict – people not far removed from high school may qualify for election to school boards, town council, and even state legislature.
21 year old Justin Chenette of Maine became the youngest state legislator in the country.

4. Additional Qualifications
For the longest time, informal qualifications included race, ethnicity, gender, and education level.
During the earlier part of our country’s history, lawmakers were expected to be white males, within the middle and upper classes of society.
During the 60’s and 70’s lawmakers were expanded to include women and some minority figures within state offices.
With regards to education- most legislators hold college degrees typically in business or law

5. Apportionment Senate= 100 seats (2 per state)
House of Reps= 435 seats, one for each congressional district.
Seat allocation was capped in 1911, however if US seeks further districting, that number may be changed by Congress at any given time.
Seats of the House are divided based on state population.
Census held every 10 years

6. Running for Election
The job of the legislator relies one of two main principles: to be a delegate or a trustee.
Delegates seek to represent their district by responding directly to the wishes or needs of their constituents, or the people they represent.
Trustees represent their district by using their best judgment- usually involves a complex or controversial issue where it’s a split vote.

7. The Power of the Incumbency
Many legislators stay in office so as long as their constituents continue to want them there.
Term limits apply to state legislators, not congressional ones (unless an amendment were to regulate them)
Incumbents have a number of advantages over their challengers including:
Name recognition
Office Resources
Campaign Funds
Bragging Rights

8. Organization of Congress
The Great Compromise during Constitutional talks, allowed for a bicameral Congress with bodies in the House of Representatives and Senate.
House of Reps
Senate
435 Members
100 Members
2 year terms
6 year terms
Elected in Districts
Elected by States
Tighter Rules
Looser Rules
First Wave
Second Wave/Filter

10. Speaker of the House: Decides what bills are to be debated by the full House and when.
Majority and Minority Leaders: Majority leaders are to manage legislation on the House floor, whereas the minority leader is the main strategist.
Majority and Minority Whips: Keep the members of Congress under control, maintain party affiliation and order. “Whip the votes, for party direction”

11. President of the Senate: Vice President of the U. S
President of the Senate: Vice President of the U.S.- very inactive; only appears in order to break a tie or ceremonies of sort.
President pro tempore: Fill-in during V.P’s absence on the Senate floor.
Majority Leader: spokesperson for the party with most Senate seats:
Minority Leader: leader of the minority party in Senate

12. Committee System
All 535 members of Congress simply do not have the time or full experience to handle every aspect and duty given to them. Instead, they rely on various committee’s to handle the workload given to them.
Congress has 5 types of committees, some permanent, some temporary.
Standing Committee
Subcommittee
Special Committee
Joint Committee
Conference Committee

13. Standing committee (permanent): committees that handle most of the legislative business; designated responsibilities.
Subcommittee (usually permanent): work underneath standing committees; review legislation.
Select/Special Committee (temporary): investigate any problems with legislation; do not review it, only offer suggestions.
Joint Committee (permanent): made up of members of both the House and Senate.
Conference Committee (temporary): formed to iron out differences between two versions of a bill.

14. Staffing
Representatives average about 16 staffers/representative, whereas senators average about 40 staffers.
Perform a variety of task from answering phones, questions from constituents, preparing speeches and in many cases drafting bills or contributing towards one.
Committees exist to inform Congressmen and women of how much cost is estimated with each bill being brought forth for debate.

15. Groups within Groups
Several caucuses and coalitions exist between members of Congress regardless of political affiliation.
Unite for a similar cause (race, gender, climate issues, etc.)
Congress members have two primary objectives that go hand in hand; serve their constituent in their home states, while performing their duties as lawmakers nationwide.

16. Congressional Powers
Article I of the Constitution outlines Congress’ legislative powers with creating laws.
Also has the ability to:
Levy and collect taxes
Borrow money
Regulate interstate and foreign trade
Coin money
Declare war

17. Check-mate
Congress also has the ability to “check” the work of the other branches through the following processes:
Oversight
Confirmation
Impeachment
Ratification
Override
Amendment