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CONGRESS: INTRO

CONGRESS: INTRO. Bellringer 9/30 . List as many things as you can remember about Congress from what we have learned so far. You should have AT LEAST 5. . Constitutional reminders:.

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CONGRESS: INTRO

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  1. CONGRESS: INTRO

  2. Bellringer 9/30 • List as many things as you can remember about Congress from what we have learned so far. You should have AT LEAST 5.

  3. Constitutional reminders: • The Framers of the US Constitution wanted the legislative branch to be the most powerful branch in the US government. • Bicameral legislature—made up of 2 houses • Senate- 100 members- 2 per state • House of Representatives- 435 members- based on population

  4. Congressional Sessions: • Every term begins in January 3rd and last for 2 years • Every term of congress is divided into 2 sessions. Sessions last one year (January until December) • President can call special sessions if they have adjourned and he wants them to decide something.

  5. Basics of Congress: Congress refers to the Senate and the House of Representatives together • 535 voting members total • 5 members in the House of Representatives that do not vote- D.C., Guam, American Samoa, Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico—All of these people can introduce legislation, debate, etc. They just cannot vote.

  6. Demographics of Congress • Gender • Race • Age • Previous Job • Political Party • Religion

  7. INCUMBENCY RATE • There is a 90 percent reelection rate in Congress—Most are incumbents, meaning that they have served before. Brand-new congresspersons are called freshmen. • Why the high reelection rate? • Political Action Committees give more campaign funds to incumbents. • They directly serve their constituency (the people that they represent) every day. • They have easier access to the media.

  8. Salaries and Benefits: • All Representatives and Senators have a base salary of 174,000. • They can vote for pay increases for themselves, but the 27th amendment, passed in 1992, states that pay raises voted on by Congress cannot go into effect until the next term. • Franking privilege- can send out official mail for free—this includes mail to help them get reelected • Large allowances for offices, assistants and trips home • Tax deduction to help them maintain a Washington, D.C. residence

  9. OTHER PRIVILEGES • Free from arrest in most cases (excludes treason and felonies) • Cannot be sued for their statements on the Senate or House floor • May punish or censure members of their house for disorderly behavior

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