1. UNIT #2
The Legislative Branch
CHAPTER #5
Congress
LESSON #1
The National Legislature

2. -Congress is the national lawmaking body
UNIT #2
The Legislative Branch
CHAPTER #5
Congress
LESSON #1
The National Legislature
The Houses of Congress
-Congress is the national lawmaking body
-Congress is a bicameral legislature--meaning it has two houses
-The upper house is the Senate, consisting of 100 members--two per state
-The lower house is the House of Representatives (HOR), consisting of 435 members
-The number of members in the HOR is based on the population of each state
-The Reapportionment Act of 1929 set the number of members at 435
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3. UNIT #2
The Legislative Branch
CHAPTER #5
Congress
LESSON #1
The National Legislature
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4.
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5. San Francisco Bay Area Los Angeles Area California UNIT #2
The Legislative Branch
CHAPTER #5
Congress
LESSON #1
The National Legislature
San Francisco Bay Area
Los Angeles Area
California
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6. -Since the population of states can change, so can representation
UNIT #2
The Legislative Branch
CHAPTER #5
Congress
LESSON #1
The National Legislature
Changing Districts
-Since the population of states can change, so can representation
-Seats in the HOR are reapportioned, or reassigned after the census every ten years
-When states gain or lose seats in the HOR they must redraw their districts
-Political parties in power in a state often gerrymander, or try to draw districts lines so that its members will win elections
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7. -Congress meets for a term
UNIT #2
The Legislative Branch
CHAPTER #5
Congress
LESSON #1
The National Legislature
Congress’ Schedule
-Congress meets for a term
-A term begins on January 3rd of odd-numbered years
-Terms last for two years and are divided into two one year sessions
-A session is from January until November or December
-Congress recesses for holidays, vacations and to allow members to return home to their constituents
-Members of both houses must vote to adjourn
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8. -The HOR and the Senate have similar duties: Pass laws
UNIT #2
The Legislative Branch
CHAPTER #5
Congress
LESSON #1
The National Legislature
Congress’ Duties
-The HOR and the Senate have similar duties:
Pass laws
Represent what they think is best for their constituents
Oversee the workings of the federal government
Help their constituents solve problems with the federal government
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