1. Coach Kuntz United States History
Legislative Branch
Coach Kuntz
United States History

2. Structure of the Legislative Branch
-The legislative branch (called Congress) is divided into two houses:
1. The House of Representatives
2. The Senate
-A legislative body that has TWO houses is called a bicameral legislature.

3. Roles of Congress -The main role of Congress is to pass laws.
-Check on Congressional Power: The President of the United States can veto laws that are passed.
-Other roles include:
Raising and collecting taxes
Printing money
Regulating trade
Approve funding for all government programs
Declaring war

4. House of Representatives
Becoming a Representative-
-Term: 2 Years
-Qualifications:
25 years old
U.S. citizen for 7 years
Resident of represented state
-Represent people in one district

5. House of Representatives
-The House of Representatives has members
-The number of representatives each state has is based on the states population.
-The Leader of the House of Representatives is the Speaker of the House. This person is elected by the other members of the House.

6. House of Representatives
Special Powers of the House of Representatives:
- All money (appropriations) bills start in the House
-Selects the President if no candidate receives a majority (270) of electoral votes.
-Write the articles of impeachment against high ranking officials, including the president.

7. The Senate Becoming a Senator- -Term: 6 Years -Qualifications:
30 years old
U.S. citizen for 9 years
Resident of represented state
-Represent the entire state

8. The Senate -The Senate has 100 members -Each state has 2 Senators
-The Leader of the Senate is the Vice President of the United States.
-When the Vice President is not there, the President Pro Tempore runs the Senate. This person is elected by the other Senate members.

9. The Senate Special Powers of the Senate: -Approves all treaties
-Approves all Presidential appointments (Supreme Court, Cabinet, etc.)
-Acts as the jury in all trials of impeachment