1. Congress

2. I. Bicameral Congress Why?
Historical: British Parliament and most colonial legislatures were bicameral
Practical: Bicameralism settled the conflict between the Virginia and New Jersey plans and reflected American federalism
Theoretical: Allows each house to act as a check and balance on the other

3. II. Congressional Sessions
Each term starts January 3 in odd numbered years
Two Sessions per term
A Session lasts one year
Congress adjourns each session as it sees fit. Both houses must consent
Both houses recess for several short breaks during a session
Special Sessions
May call Congress into session to deal with an emergency

4. III. House Issues Reapportionment Act of 1929
Limits House to 435 representatives
Abuses of Redistricting Power
Unequal populations
Gerrymandering: boundaries are drawn to gain an advantage
Packing: include as many of the other party’s voters as possible in a single district
Cracking: divide the opponents’ voters into other districts
Redistricting Cases
Baker v. Carr: Federal courts decided conflicts over boundaries
Reynolds v. Sims: seats must be apportioned by population
Wesberry v. Sanders: “one person, one vote”. Districts need to be as close to equal in size as possible

5. IV. Members of Congress Backgrounds Race/Ethnicity
“Average” member is a white male in his late 50s
83 women in House (19%) (-1); 21 in Senate (+ 1)
46 African-Americans in House (11%) (+2); 3 in the Senate (+ 1)
34 Hispanics in House (8%) (+6); 4 in Senate (+1)
11 Asian Americans in House (2%) (+3); 3 in Senate (+2)
Personal
Nearly all are married
Most are religious (60% Protestant; 30% Catholic; 6% Jewish)
80% have college degrees. Most have advanced degrees
Most were born in state they represent

6. IV. Members of Congress Backgrounds
Professional
Nearly half are lawyers
Large number from business, banking, and education
Most have considerable political experience
Average Rep. has served four terms
Average Senator is serving second term
Many Senators served previously as Reps., governors, or cabinet officials (or other positions) in the executive branch
Re-election – Over 90% of incumbents win