1. The United States Congress

2. Foundations of our Legislature
The founding of our country was influenced by many aspects of Western European government
England long had a tradition of a legislative body.
The British Parliament surely influenced the framers of the Constitution
The Colonies had their own experience with legislatures
The Continental Congress
Each state had become accustom to being sovereign.

3. Big vs. Small Big states vs. Small states
Each wanted to be represented in Congress
Virginia (big) felt they should have more power
Why would Rhode Island (small) join?
Our government is a Representative Republic
Citizens are represented by elected officials who make decisions on the behalf of the people that elected them.
This idea is most clearly seen in our Legislature

4. Connecticut to the Rescue!
The Connecticut Compromise
Created two houses in the Congress
One would be based on population (The House)
One would be equally apportioned. (The Senate)
This system is called Bicameralism
Two houses

5. The House of Representatives
The People’s house
Comprised of representatives from each state
Each representative represents a portion of the population.
California – 53 Wyoming – 1
The total number of House Members today is 435
Each session of Congress lasts for 2 years
Congress is currently in its 115th session
Hold office for two years

6. The Senate The Deliberative Body Comprised of Senators from each state
Each Senator represents the entire state.
California – 2 Wyoming – 2
Senate Membership - 100
Each session of Congress lasts for 2 years
1/3 of all Senators are up for re-election each cycle
Hold office for 6 years

7. Justification for Requirements
Members of the House of Representatives serve two-year terms and are considered for reelection every even year.
Senators serve six-year terms and elections to the Senate are staggered over even years so that only about 1/3 of the Senate is up for reelection during any election.
Why is that?
Reps:
Senators:

8. How Long Can They Serve?
There is no limit to the number of times a member can run
If they can win, they can serve.
John Dingell (D-MI) served in the House for 59 years
Robert Byrd (D-WV) served in the Senate 51 years
What might be the advantages/disadvantages of having no term limits?

9. A note on elections For congressional elections there are two phases:
A PRIMARY in which parties attempt to select one person to represent them
Lots of Democrats or Republican run to represent the party
The Democrats or Republicans in the state vote on these candidates
The winner goes on to represent the party in the GENERAL elections
In the general election one Democrat and one Republican compete for the actual office
Everyone votes for one of the two candidates