1. Chapter 15
Congress

2. Photo of Congress

3. Legislative Branch Constitutional Roots
Checks and balances created
Article I created bicameral legislature or Congress = two parts
House of Representatives = lower house
Membership based on population of the state
435 members total

4. U.S. House of Representatives
Requirements
25 years old
lived in the US for seven years
legal resident of the state represented
Length of term
Elected every two years
Keep in touch with constituents
More democratic because it changes more frequently
Small districts
Redistricting based on the population every 10 years

5. U. S. Senate Senate = upper house
Two members per state, total 100 members
Requirements
30 years old
lived in US for nine years
legal resident of the state represented
Length of term
Six year term
Powerful position
Statewide election
Name recognition

6. The Powers of Congress Most important duty is to make laws
Bills, proposed laws, must be approved by both the House and Senate
Impose taxes
Regulate interstate commerce
Establish a national bank
Establish a post office
Declare war
Raise and support an Army and Navy
Establish a court system
Borrow and spend money
Propose amendments to the Constitution

7. House of Representatives Specific Powers
Select the president if Electoral College cannot
Initiate impeachment of the government official

8. Senate Specific Powers
Confirms the presidential cabinet and judiciary
Try impeached government official

9. Congressional Duties Work has to please constituents 15 hour days
Time spent between Washington and home state
Casework = assisting constituents with their problems
Large offices with large numbers of staff
Salary of $129,000 per year
Cannot be paid for speeches or public appearances

10. Incumbency Advantages
Incumbent = person who is currently holding office
For the most part win
Senate 70 percent chance that they will win
House – 90 percent chance that they will win
Resources
Franking privilege = free use of US mail
Travel expenses paid by the taxpayers
Name recognition
Campaign funding from interest groups and individual

11. Membership in Congress
More educated
More white
More male
Wealthier
Senate – called “Millionaires club”

12. Organization of Congress
Senate
Majority Leader is the head
Not many rules to follow
Vice President is the tie breaker in voting

13. Organization of Congress
House of Representatives
Speaker of the House is the leader
Determines committees
Appoints members to the Rules Committee
Determines who will speak
Elected by the membership

14. Committee System Screen and write legislation Work done in committees
Experts developed
Standing committees = permanent committees
Bills must pass through standing committees
Committees chaired by majority party
Committee may rewrite bills or write their own bills
Less than 10 percent of the bills make it to the floor of the House or Senate
Membership and leadership based on length of time in office = seniority system

15. How a Bill Becomes Law Member of Congress must introduce bill
Steps to a law
Member of Congress must introduce bill
Bill is given a number and sent to committee
Committee sends the bill for research
Moves to standing committee
Sent to the House or Senate floor for approval
Both the House and Senate approve
Given to the president for approval