The Legislative Branch

The Legislative branch

• Bicameral legislature? Two houses (chambers)

The United States House of Representatives

The United States Senate

What does the legislative branch do? How a bill becomes a law

• House of Representatives• Committees• Senate• President

The Legislative Branch

Bell ringer

Describe the structure of the United States congress. (hint: what is a bicameral legislature?)

The Legislative Branch

the Legislative Branch

The Legislative Branch

• Congressional terms– Begin Jan. 3rd, odd numbered years– Two years– Each term is divided into two sessions• Sessions last one year• Congress remains in session until they vote to adjourn• President can call special session

House Senate

Number of members

Qualifications

Term of Office

• 435• Apportioned or divided

among states based on population

• 25 years old• Citizen for at least 7 years• Traditionally, live in

district

• Every two years!!!

Representation and reapportionment

• Census• The population of each state determines the

new number of representatives which each state is entitled—a process called reapportionment

Redistricting

• Congressional districts—one for each representative

• The process for setting up new district lines is called redistricting

Pair and share

How do you think political parties could use redistricting to their advantage!?

Gerrymandering

House Senate

Number of members

Qualifications

Term of Office

• 435• Apportioned or divided

among states based on population

• 25 years old• Citizen for at least 7 years• Traditionally, live in

district

• Every two years!!!

• 2 members from each state

• 30 years old• Citizen for 9 years• Legal resident of state

• 6 year terms• 1/3 run for reelection

every two years

Congress = 535 members100 senators + 435 Representatives

There are also 4 nonvoting delegates from U.S. territories

Discussion question:Incumbents are members already in office

If you were running for congress would you rather be an incumbent or a challenger? Why?

• Easier to raise campaign funds because they have connections• Gerrymandering• Better known• Use their position to help voters• Voted them into office

Parking lot