1. Federal Government

2. Original Capital Building

5. The Apotheosis of Washington

6. Congress Bicameral Most powerful branch of govt.
House of Representatives
Senate
Most powerful branch of govt.
Initiates and approves all laws

7. Congressional Powers Impeachment Power of the Purse
Power to declare war
Power to regulate interstate Commerce
Confirm presidential appointments
Ratify treaties

8. Congressional Sessions
Each term is divided into 2 sessions, beginning in January of odd-numbered years

9. 115th Congress Senate HOR 52 Rep. 46 Dem. 2 Ind. 238 Rep. 193 Dem.
4 Vacant

10. House of Representatives
Membership
435 Members
Number of seats is apportioned among the states based on population

11. Qualifications 25 yrs. old US citizen for 7 yrs.
Live in the district they represent

12. Term of Office
2 yr. terms
Election in November of even-numbered years

13. Magnolia

14. Representation and Reapportionment
Census Bureau conducts a census, population count, every 10 yrs.
Reapportionment: when a new census changes the number of reps. a state is entitled to
Redistricting: process of setting up new district lines after reapportionment has been completed

15. Abuses of Redistricting
Gerrymandering: When a political party controlling the state govt. draws a district’s boundaries to gain an advantage in elections

16. The Senate
Membership
2 Senators from each state

17. Qualifications 30 yrs. old US citizen for 9 yrs.
Legal resident of the state they represent
Elected at-large
state wide

18. Term of Office Election in November of even-numbered years 6 Yr. terms
Only 1/3 of senators can run for reelection

19. Reelection Incumbents: those members already in office
90% reelection rate
Easier to raise funds
District gerrymandered to their favor
Better known to voters
Easily solve the voters’ problems
Franking privilege: free postage