1. The Legislative Branch The Senate and House of Representatives Civics Mr. Zimmer

2. Congress in a Nutshell Lawmaking body of the Federal government Composed of two houses/parts – Wanted to make sure that large and small states would be fairly represented Often referred to as bicameral; meaning two houses House of representatives is determined by population Senate has equal representation System allows each house to check the actions of the other

3. House of Representatives Based on the population of each state – Larger states have more representatives, smaller states have fewer. Generally 1 representative per 700,000 members of the population Currently there are 435 Representatives in the House and that is the limit. – As population grows, the ratio of representatives to members of the population will change Representatives are elected to 2 Year Terms – If a representative dies, the governor of the home state is required to call a special election to fill the vacancy.

4. House of Representatives - Districting When the Census is taken, Congress determines how seats in the house are to be apportioned; which means distributed. Voters elect their representative according to the district in which they live. Districts are drawn so that each district is almost equal in population District Boundaries are often oddly shaped. – This process is known as Gerrymandering; meaning the practice of drawing district lines to favor a particular party, politician, or group of people

5. The Senate Each state is represented by two senators Elected to Congress for 6 year terms. 1/3 of the Senate’s membership comes up for election every two years. – Ensures 2/3 have prior experience. If a senator dies, the Governor will appoint a person to fill the vacancy Senators do not have term limits. If they continue to get re-elected, they can stay in office for life.

6. Qualifications House of Representatives – Be at least 25 years old – Been a citizen for at least 7 years – Be a legal resident of the state you represent Senate – Be at least 30 years old – Been a citizen for at least 9 years – Be a legal resident of the state you represent

7. Salary and Benefits Yearly salary of $165,200 Receive an allowance to pay staff members Franking Privilege – Send mail for free Immunity or legal protection – When Congress is in session, its members cannot be arrested in or on their way to or from a meeting in Congress. – Purpose is to ensure that they are not unnecessarily kept from performing their duties

8. Conduct of Congress Members of Congress can challenge or question the qualifications of a newly elected member of Congress – Rarely happens – Most recent was 1996 There is a limit to the amount of outside income a member of Congress can earn Serious offenses can cause a member to be expelled – Requires a 2/3 vote in both Houses Less serious offenses can bring a vote of censure which is a formal disapproval of a member’s actions – A censured member must stand alone at the front and listen to the charges against him or her.

9. Terms and Sessions Constitution requires Congress to meet once a year Meetings start at noon on January 3 rd of every odd-numbered year Each term of Congress is divided into two sessions. – When the legislative work is finished, both houses adjourn and the session is ended. – Both houses can meet together in a Joint Session – The President can call Congress into a Special Session for immediate and necessary action

10. Organization of Congress 3 Rules about how Congress should be organized – Directs the House of Representatives to select presiding officers – Names the Vice President of the United States as President of the Senate – Calls for the selection of a senator to preside in the vice president’s absence The Republicans and Democrats in each house gather separately in private meetings called Caucuses to choose their leaders A political party with the most members is known as the majority party and the political party with the least members is known as the minority party.

11. Organization of Senate Majority party elects one of its members to be the “President Pro Tempore” – Meaning “For the time being” Each party has its floor leaders known as the majority and minority leader Each party’s floor leader is assisted by a party whip – Their job is to count votes, encourage party loyalty, and ensure party members are present for important votes Has about 20 committees that consider legislation and hold hearings – Each committee has one or more subcommittees that may consider legislation before it is taken up by the full committee – Each has a chairperson who is a member of the majority party and a ranking minority member Generally the longest serving member of the minority party.

12. Organization of the House of Representatives The Speaker of the House is the person who presides over the House when Congress is in session. – Always a member of the majority party – Most powerful officer in the House of Representatives – Influences the order of business in the House Organization of Committees is the same as the Senate, although some names of committees might be different.

13. Powers of Congress Delegated Powers Found in Section I, Article 8 of the Constitution include: – Financing Government – Authority to raise and collect taxes, to borrow money, and to print or coin money – Regulating and Encouraging American Trade and Industry – Passing laws that protect the rights of inventors – Defending the Country – Declare war and maintain armed forces – Creating Lower Courts – Providing for Growth – Laws to regulate immigration and naturalization

14. Powers of Congress Implied Powers Congress has the power “to make all laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into execution the foregoing powers. – Necessary and Proper Clause or Elastic Clause because of the flexibility this provides Congress – Example: Establish military academies to train officers

15. Powers of Congress Impeachment Power Impeachment is to accuse an officeholder of misconduct. – A serious offense is Treason Charges of the accused are drawn up in the House of Representatives Trial of the accused if passed in House is held in the Senate. – Vice President will act as the judge 2/3 of the Senate must find the official guilty

16. Limits on Powers Constitution forbids Congress from: – Passing “Ex Post Facto” Laws which are laws that apply to actions that occurred before laws were passed – Passing bills of attainder – Laws that sentence people to prison without a trial – Suspending Habeas Corpus – Taxing Exports – Passing laws that violate Bill of Rights – Favoring trade of a state – Granting titles of nobility – Withdrawing money without law