The Legislative Branch of Government

Diana L. DrewCivics &

Economics 2005

NCSCOS

• 2.02 Explain how the United States Constitution defines the framework, organization and structure of the three branches of government at the national level.

Our Daily Objective

• SWBAT identify their National government leaders.

• SWBAT describe the Legislative branch of government.

Legislative Branch Article I

• The Basics • THE CONGRESS (bicameral)

• House of Representatives− (435 members)

• The Senate− (100 members)

The House of Representatives

Congressional Apportionment 1) A census is taken every ten years. The number of

seats in the house each state receives can change.2) Every state is given at least 1 representative in the

House.General information

1) Each representative serves two years.2) Congressional terms last two years starting in odd

years—2005=109th congress3) They represent their districts not necessarily the

whole state.

The House of Representatives cont…

• Term=2 years• Requirements

• Age 25• Resident of the state the represent• Citizen for 7 years

Congressional Apportionment

State Districting

Each state divides its state into congressional districts. NC has 13 districts. Pasquotank County is in district 1.

The people in each district are called constituents.

Gerrymandering is the process of drawing districts to ensure the strength of political parties.

North Carolina Congressional Districts

The Senate

•100 Senators•2 Senators for each state•6 Year Terms •Every two years 1/3 of the

Senate is up for reelection

The Senate• Term=6 years• Requirements

• Age 30• Resident of the state the represent• Citizen for 9 years

Leadership of Congress Leadership can change from election to election.Both the Senate and House have Party Leadership.Usually Democrat and Republican Parties• Majority Party—is the party who currently has

more members in congress.

• Minority Party—is the part who currently has the least amount members in congress.

Leadership cont…

Democrat and Republican Whips

1) Maintain party discipline2) Conduct polls3) Keep tract of votes4) Mostly involved in communication of their

party

Leadership cont…

House• Speaker of the House

Senate• President of the Senate

=always the Vice President

• President Pro Tempore of the

Senate

Committee System

4 Types of Committees 1) Standing Committees

Senate 17---House—19

2) Select Committees—Special limited time

3) Joint Committees—4Economic—Federal Tax Policy—Library of Congress—Government Printing Office

4) Conference Committee—temporary

Standing Committees House

AgricultureAppropriationsArmed servicesBudgetEducation & the Workforce Energy & CommerceFinancial ServicesGovernment ReformHouse AdministrationInternational RelationsJudiciaryResourcesRulesScienceSmall BusinessStandards of Official ConductTransportation and InfrastructureVeterans AffairsWays and Means

SenateAgriculture, Nutrition & ForestryAppropriationsArmed ServicesBanking, Housing, and Urban AffairsBudgetCommerce, Science and TransportationEnergy and Natural ResourcesEnvironment an dPublic WorksFinanceForeign RelationsGovernmental AffairsHealth, Education, Labor & PensionsIndian AffairsJudiciaryRules an AdministrationSmall Business and Entrepreneurship Veterans Affairs

Seniority System

Senators Classes—every two years senators are elected and become part of a “Class” much like high school freshman—Senior and Junior Senators.

Committee ChairpersonsUsually the person with the most seniority whose party is in the majority.

Powers of Congress

• Tax• Borrow Money• Naturalization &

immigration laws• Make money• Post Office• Promote Science—

Authors-Arts• Tribunals

• Declare War• Make Laws• Maintain Army & Navy• Discipline the Army &

Navy• Appoint Officers of the

Army & Navy• Make rules for

government• Every thing Necessary

and Proper