1. Unit 4: Congress Ms. White

2. Purpose of Congress Enact legislation Framers of Constitution wanted bulk of power in the legislative branch Legislative mentioned first Framers: government of laws not men Members mainly represent themselves? Members overriding interest is in reelection?

3. Design of Congress Bicameral: two houses Senate House of Representatives

4. The Senate Equal representation of states 6 year terms 100 members One-third elected every 2 years Currently elected by the people Originally elected by State legislatures 17 th Amendment Unlimited debate, which allows for filibuster

5. The House of Representatives Representation is based on population 2 year terms Represents the people 435 total members All elected every 2 years Elected by the people Because of size, debate must be limited according to the Rules Committee

6. Elections and Representation Members are more likely to be white, male, Protestant, higher occupation levels and income, and have higher educations Members mainly come from state and community elite structures Most members are career officeholders Most people can’t even name their two senators and representative

7. Representation Members represent the interests of local elites, not masses Gain information about constituency preferences through personal contact with elites

8. Congressional Elections Process of electing members varies according to state election laws Most candidates are self-starters with ties to local district Coattail effect: voters who come to polls to vote for president also vote for lower level candidates of the same party, helping them unintentionally

9. Reapportionment Census triggers realignment of number of House seats based on latest population figures Congress determines how representatives are apportioned –Each state gets at least one –Gives balance of power to smallest states

10. Reapportionment Census determines number of representatives and determines federal grant money Some states gain seats, while others lose them State legislatures redistrict or redraw political boundaries to match population changes

11. Pay, Perks, and Privileges Salary: $150,000 annual Perks: free parking, medical care, postage, generous pensions, liberal travel allowances, hire an extensive professional staff, use resources of various government agencies Privileges: exempt from certain laws that apply to ordinary citizens

12. Ethics Congressional ethics have been a serious issue due to numerous personal and financial scandalsPublic is cynical toward Congress Increased calls for term limits Logrolling Gridlock Ethics rules