1. The Legislative Branch
Chapter 8 Notes
The Legislative Branch

2. Section 1: Members of Congress
The legislative (lawmaking) branch of the federal government
Consists of 2 Houses: Senate and House of Representatives
2 Senators per state
# of House of Representatives members are based on state population

3. Responsibilities of Congressmen
Members of Congress are responsible to…
Be the voice for their constituents (the people they represent)
Support their political party (usually Democratic or Republican)
Support or oppose proposed laws
Gain support of interest groups

4. Section 2: The Powers of Congress
What are the main goals of Congress?
Promote the General Welfare
Make laws that help improve people’s lives
Provide for Defense
Maintain a military and declare war
Establish Justice
Create federal courts below the Supreme Court

5. Section 3 How Congress is Organized
Leadership in Congress
Speaker of the House
Leader of the House of Representatives
Vice President of the U.S.
Leader of the Senate
Floor Leaders
Chief officers of the majority and minority parties in each house

6. How does a proposed bill become law?
1. Member of Congress introduces a bill.
2. The bill must be approved by a majority in both the Senate and the House of Rep.
3. The President can sign the bill into law or veto (reject) the bill.
*If vetoed, Congress can override the veto by passing the bill again by a 2/3 vote of both houses.

7. Section 4: Following a Bill in Congress
Either party can use rules of order and procedure in the Senate or House of Rep. to stop a bill. (ex: long speeches to delay voting)
Members of congress try to compromise so they can agree and pass bills.
Some bills get ‘killed off’.
*It’s difficult to pass bills for a reason. The Framers of the Constitution wanted Congress to carefully study and debate bills before signing them into law.*

8. Quick Review of Ch. 8
1. What are the responsibilities of members of Congress?
2. What are some of the main goals of Congress?
3. Who is the leader of the Senate / House of Representatives?
4. How does a proposed bill become a law?

9. Ch. 8 Assessment Page 236 Complete # 1 – 13 Reviewing Key Terms
Write out the sentence with correct term underlined.
Comprehension and Critical Thinking
Write out the question and your response.
* Turn in for a grade when completed.