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The Makeup of Congress. Reasons for a bi- cameral legislature Britain had a system of bicameralism It made all states equal It provided a system of checks and balances. The Makeup of Congress. Congressional Terms Each term lasts two years Each term of Congress has two sessions
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The Makeup of Congress • Reasons for a bi- cameral legislature • Britain had a system of bicameralism • It made all states equal • It provided a system of checks and balances
The Makeup of Congress • Congressional Terms • Each term lasts two years • Each term of Congress has two sessions • A session is the regular period of time during which Congress conducts business • The president can call Congress into special session
The Makeup of Congress • Membership of the House • Members must be at least 25 years old, citizens for at least 7 years, and residents of the states they represent. • Members serve for two- year terms • The number of representatives from each state is determined by the census population count every 10 years. • State legislatures set up congressional districts after the census, with one representative from each district.
The Makeup of Congress • Membership of the Senate • Members must be at least 30 years old, citizens for at least 9 years, and residents of the states they represent. • Members serve for six year terms • One third of the Senate is elected every two years so the Senate is known as a “continuous body” • Each state elects two senators