The Legislative Branch

1. The Legislative Branch

3. The Legislative branch • Bicameral legislature? Two houses (chambers) The United States House of Representatives The United States Senate

4. What does the legislative branch do? How a bill becomes a law • House of Representatives • Committees • Senate • President

5. The Legislative Branch Bell ringer Describe the structure of the United States congress. (hint: what is a bicameral legislature?)

6. The Legislative Branch the Legislative Branch

7. 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

8. 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!!!

9. Representation and reapportionment • Census • The population of each state determines the new number of representatives which each state is entitled—a process called reapportionment

10. Redistricting • Congressional districts—one for each representative • The process for setting up new district lines is called redistricting

11. Pair and share How do you think political parties could use redistricting to their advantage!? Gerrymandering

12. 435 • Apportioned or divided among states based on population • 2 members from each state • 25 years old • Citizen for at least 7 years • Traditionally, live in district • 30 years old • Citizen for 9 years • Legal resident of state • Every two years!!! • 6 year terms • 1/3 run for reelection every two years

13. Congress = 535 members 100 senators + 435 Representatives There are also 4 nonvoting delegates from U.S. territories

14. 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

15. Parking lot