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Congressional Membership

Congressional Membership. Chapter 5, Section 1.

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Congressional Membership

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  1. Congressional Membership Chapter 5, Section 1

  2. “At the foundation of our civil liberties lies the principle that denies to government officials an exceptional position before the law and which subjects them to the same rules of conduct that are commands to the citizen.” ~ Supreme Court Justice Louis D. Brandeis

  3. NameDate October 19 , 2009Congressional Membership Define 3 Key Terms (Pg. 123 or 130) 1) 2) 3)

  4. The Capitol Building in D.C.

  5. Congress is bicameral: The House of Representatives (435) and the Senate(100) A. Each term of Congress has two sessions B. Sessions last until Congress votes to adjourn C. The President may call for a special session if congress is adjourned I. Congress

  6. A Joint Session of The U.S. Congress for the State of the Union

  7. A. Members must be: 1. 25+ years old 2. U.S. citizens 7+ years 3. Residents of the state they represent B. House members serve 2-year terms II. Membership in the House of Representatives (435)

  8. II. Membership in the House of Representatives (435) C. The number of state representatives is apportioned according to the census every 10 years (2000, 2010, 2020, etc.) D. Congressional districts are determined by state legislatures E. One representative from each district represents approx. 650,000 people

  9. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi • First female Speaker of the House • A Democrat from California (SF) • The closest in line to the Presidency

  10. Representation and Reapportionment & Congressional Redistricting • After the 10 year Census is taken (2000, 2010, 2020, etc.) the number of Representatives may be reapportioned to account for changes in population • State legislatures then sets the new districts • Some states abuse this power in two ways 1. Districts with very unequal population 2. Gerrymandering (ruling political parties redraw boundaries to gain electoral advantages

  11. Question Page 125 (Government at a Glance): With a partner: What is the general trend in Congressional reapportionment because of population shifts? Answer: States with growing populations like CA, for example, are apportioned more members in the House of Representatives than less populated states.

  12. A. Members must be: 1. 30+ years old 2. U.S. citizens 9+ years 3. Residents of the state they represent B. Senate members serve 6-year terms C. Each state elects 2 senators III. Membership in the Senate (100)

  13. Vice President = Senate President • VP Dick Cheney • Presides over the Senate • Cannot partake in Senate debates • Votes only in a tie

  14. Question Page 129 (Government at Glance): As a Class: Which house of Congress do you think is more diverse? Why? Answer: The House of Representatives is more diverse because there is a larger number of Reps and more come from diverse states like CA & NY, etc.?

  15. A. Financial benefits: 1. Set their members’ salaries 2. Allowances for office, staff and business trips 3. Tax breaks for two residences (D.C. & home state) 4. Sizable retirement pensions B. Immunity from arrest in: 1. Non-felony or non-treason cases 2. Libel cases during session C. Both houses can censure or even expel members IV. Congressional Benefits

  16. In Class/Homework Questions: Page 130 #1 #3 #5

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