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The National Legislature

American Government. The National Legislature. Bicameralism. Congress consist of two houses – The House of Representatives and the Senate. House is based on a states population Senate is equal…each state gets two. Terms and Sessions of Congress.

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The National Legislature

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  1. American Government The National Legislature

  2. Bicameralism • Congress consist of two houses – The House of Representatives and the Senate. • House is based on a states population • Senate is equal…each state gets two

  3. Terms and Sessions of Congress • A term is the length of time between elections in Congress (Two years) • Each term consist of two sessions, one during each year of a term • The President may call a special session to deal with some pressing issue

  4. The House of Representatives • There are 435 members of the House • Representatives hold office for 2 years and can hold office for as many times as they are elected • House members must be at least 25 years old • Must have been a citizen for 7 years • Must live in the state they represent

  5. The Senate • The Senate consist of 100 members, 2 from each state • Senators serve 6 year terms that are staggered, so only 1/3 are up for election every two years • Must be 30 years old • Must have been a citizen for 9 years • Must be an inhabitant of the state they represent

  6. Members of Congress • Average member of Congress is White male in his mid 50’s. • Most members are married, have children, are Christian and their jobs are usually lawyers, business, education or are professional politicians

  7. Duties of Congressman • They act as legislators, committee members, representatives of their constituents and politicians. • Partisan – loyalty to their political party and vote on issues according to party platform

  8. Compensation and Privileges • Salary is $133,600 per year • Receive low-cost medical care • Congress sets their own pay, but the president can veto their salary and they have to worry about voter backlash • May not be arrested for misdemeanors while Congress in session and are immune from being sued over speeches they make in Congress.

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