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UNIT #2 The Legislative Branch CHAPTER #5 Congress LESSON #1 The National Legislature. UNIT #2 The Legislative Branch CHAPTER #5 Congress LESSON #1 The National Legislature. The Houses of Congress. -Congress is the national lawmaking body
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UNIT #2 The Legislative Branch CHAPTER #5 Congress LESSON #1 The National Legislature
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 Page 1
UNIT #2 The Legislative Branch CHAPTER #5 Congress LESSON #1 The National Legislature Page 2
1990-2000 2010-2020 2000-2010 Page 3
UNIT #2 The Legislative Branch CHAPTER #5 Congress LESSON #1 The National Legislature San Francisco Bay Area Los Angeles Area California Page 4
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 Page 5
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 Page 6
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 Page 7