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Chapter 10: Congress Section 1, 2, 3

Explore the historical, practical, and theoretical aspects of the bicameral Congress, reflecting federalism and the check and balance system. Learn about the unique role of the Senate and the representation in the House of Representatives.

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Chapter 10: Congress Section 1, 2, 3

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  1. Chapter 10: CongressSection 1, 2, 3

  2. A Bicameral Legislature • Historical • Based on bicameral British Legislature • 11 of 13 state legislatures were bicameral (only Nebraska is unicameral) • Practical • Settled NJ ~VA dispute (Great Compromise) • Reflects federalism (equal rep in Senate proportional in House) • Theoretical • Framers wanted each house to check the other • Fed 51-the remedy for stopping a predominate Congress is a bicameral check on eachother.

  3. Congress and Federalism • Federalism: the division of power -Fed and State • State representatives act in the interests of constituents, but also work together on behalf of all Americans.

  4. Representation • Each state is equally represented in the Senate and represented by population in the House.

  5. The Capital

  6. Congressional Terms Beginning in 1789, Congress has met for two-year terms On odd numbered years!

  7. Terms and sessions • Each term of Congress lasts 2 years and is numbered consecutively (current is 113 Congress) • Begins at noon on 3rd of January • (Different from elected terms House 2 years, Senate 6 years –it aligns with the house terms) • Session –two sessions per term –one each year • Convene-begin (they meet nearly year round) • Adjourn –ends • Recess –short break during session • Special session- president calls special session to deal with emergencies. Can call on either house

  8. Special Sessions The President can call one or both houses of Congress into a special session to deal with an emergency situation. Trivia: Only 27 joint special sessions have been called. (just the Senate) The President may threaten a special session if Congress has not acted on a measure important to the presidency.

  9. US House of Representatives

  10. House Seat distribution and Member qualifications Currently 435 seats in the House. Distributed based on State population; each state guaranteed at least one rep. Reps must be 25+, 7 yr U.S. citizen, and reside in the state they represent.

  11. Census • Every 10 years the Census Bureau counts the national population. • Currently, each seat in the House represents about 700,000 people

  12. Congressional Elections • Representatives, are elected every two years. • There are no terms limits. • Each state holds elections in November of even-numbered years. • Representatives are elected from single-member congressional districts.

  13. US Senate

  14. The Senate The Senate has 100 members, two per state, elected to six-year terms, Senate terms are staggered, so that one third of them expire every two years. (One per state) Senators must be 30+, years old, U.S. citizen for 9 years, and reside in the state they represent. Senators are often seen as less subject to public pressure and more concerned about national issues than members of the House. If a senator dies, resigns, or is expelled, the governor will appointed someone until a special election can be held.

  15. Structure of the Senate • The size of the Senate changes as new states are admitted to the Union. • The Senate began with 22 members in 1789. • Usually represent larger and broader range of citizens than representatives.

  16. The 17th Amendment • Senators were originally elected by state legislatures. • 17th Amendment (1913) Senate elected by statewide popular vote • Only one senator per state per election. Sen. Tom Udall -D. Sen. (Elect) Martin Heinrich -D

  17. A Unique Role Senators focus on national issues and are national political leaders Longer terms in office make them less susceptible to the pressures of public opinion Represent larger and more diverse constituencies, and can champion public policies that appeal to many Americans.

  18. National Recognition • Senators receive more media exposure than Representatives • Senators often use this publicity as a stepping stone to presidential campaigns.

  19. Senate Discipline The Senate has the power to discipline its members or refuse to seat an elected member. The Senate can expel a member with a two thirds vote or punish them with a majority vote. The Senate has expelled 15 members, most of them senators who supported secession during the Civil War. The threat of expulsion or the embarrassment of being publicly denounced by the Ethics Committee has led some senators to resign.

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