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The National Legislature

The National Legislature. “All legislative Powers herein granted shall be vested in a Congress of the United States, which shall consist of a and a of. Senate. House. Representatives. Read: Article One, Section 1 of Constitution, page 760.

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The National Legislature

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  1. The National Legislature “All legislative Powers herein granted shall be vested in a Congress of the United States, which shall consist of a and a of Senate House Representatives Read: Article One, Section 1 of Constitution, page 760

  2. The Capitol Bldg., Washington, D.C.

  3. Why a Bi-Cameral Legislature? Historical Practical Theoretical Bi-cameral model in England since 1300s All states but two had bi-cameral legislatures in 1787 Compromise between Va. and NJ Plans One house acts as a Check on the other – Prevents the Legislature From dominating the Other 2 branches

  4. How often does the House of Reps. choose its members? Art. 1, Sect 2., 1 Every 2 years How long do Senators serve? Art. 1, Sect. 3, 1 6 years When does each session of Congress begin? 20th Amendment, Sect. 2 Noon on 3rd day of January How old must you be to become a Senator? Art. 1, Sect. 3, 3 30 yrs. old

  5. Are there any limits on the number of terms a Congressman may Serve? Text, page 277 No limits Who may call a Special Session of Congress? Art. 2, Sect. 3 Only the Pres. Why would a Special Session be Called? Art. 2, Sect. 3 For “extraordinary Occasions” – emergencies When was the last time a Special Session of Congress was called? Text, page 265 1948

  6. Congressional Districts(see page 270) • There are Congressional Districts • A law passed in 1842 made responsible for drawing the Congressional Districts within their state. These districts were to be: • contiguous (of one part – connecting) • composed of the same number of inhabitants (650,000 people) • compact 435 State Legislatures

  7. State Districts as of 2004

  8. District 18

  9. Gerrymandering • Gov. of Massachusetts drew the Congressional districts to favor his party (Democrat-Republican) in 1812. • The result was a district which looked like a to the Federalist newspaper editor in Boston • From his name and the word “salamander” we get the word Elbridge Gerry salamander “Gerrymander”

  10. Gerrymandering

  11. Modern Examples

  12. Organization of Congress • The Presiding Officers of each House: • House of Representatives - Speaker of the House Dennis Hastert (R., Ill.)

  13. Organization of Congress • The Presiding Officers of each House: • Senate • If he is not there, the is in charge Pres. of the Senate – Vice President of US President Pro Tempore Richard Cheney Sen. Ted Stevens (R., Alaska)

  14. Committees • The bulk of the work of Congress is done in committees • The chairmen of each standing committee is chosen from the party • There are currently standing committees in Congress • Members are assigned from 1 to 4 committees to serve on majority 36 • (from page 330, list 3 House and 3 Senate • standing committees)

  15. Other Committees • There are other committees composed of members of both houses called • There are also committees set up for a special purpose and for a short time called • Committees made up of House and Senate members which meet to resolve differences in bills are called Joint committees Select committees Conference Committees

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