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Chapter 6.1 Organization of Congress

Learn about Congressional election processes, term limits debates, quorum requirements, and the impact on legislation. Understand the arguments for and against term limits in Congress.

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Chapter 6.1 Organization of Congress

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  1. Chapter 6.1 Organization of Congress • Making laws for millions of people is a difficult task. • How do you make sure the people elected are the best for the job?

  2. Answer : Have lots of elections!! • Congressional elections take place every even numbered year in November. • 2008 • 2010 • 2012 • Etc. • House of Representatives • Every 2 years for everyone! • Senate • 1/3 of members are elected every other year. • Guarantees at all times 2/3 of Senators are ‘veterans’

  3. Some possible problems…. • Elections are held in November. • Newly elected members of Congress start job in January. • Each new Congress is numbered in 2 year terms • 1789 = 1st Congress • 1791 = 2nd Congress • 2009 = 111th Congress • How do you stop Congressman who lose from trying to make new laws in their last month in office?

  4. Answer : The President can allow Congress to go on vacation (called recess) • After elections • Most Congressman who still have jobs go home to see their families for the holidays. • Why? • They haven’t seen their families much because of the campaigning!

  5. Question: How does this help ‘lame-duck’ members from making laws before they leave office? • Lame duck • members who had not been re-elected • For Congress to vote on any laws, a quorum must be present to vote! • Quorum = majority of members • House of Representatives = 217 members • Senate = 51 members

  6. Another Possible Problem: Lack of Term Limits in Congress • Term limits • Legal limits on the number of terms a person can serve in office • Executive Office = 2 terms (8 years) 22nd Amendment • In Congress • House of Representatives = no term limits • Senate = No term limits

  7. Supporters of “No Term Limits” in Congress • People pick who they want! • People get better with age….right? • Become better politicians!! • Figure out how Washington works!! • Understand how to get things done!!

  8. Supporters of “No Term Limits” in Congress... With age comes wisdom

  9. Supporters for Term Limits • Keeps fresh faces in Congress! • Keep fresh ideas that are more of what the public of today wants!! • They know how to use technology!! • MySpace • Facebook • Twitter • Can give updates!! • Gives more people a chance to work for their country!

  10. Where does it stand today? • In 1995 • Supreme Court ruled that Congress can not impose term limits on its members without making it a Constitutional amendment. • Do you agree?

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