The Legislative Branch

1. The Legislative Branch How Congress is Organized

2. Bicameral Legislature • Conflict at Constitutional Convention • Smaller states = equal representation • Larger states = population based

3. Bicameral Legislature • The Great Compromise • Upper House = Senate • Lower House = House of Representatives • Constitution, Article I: Congress is “the First Branch of this Government”

4. Terms of Congress • Government calendar set by law • Each Congress lasts for a meeting period, or a term, of 2 years • Starts January 3 of odd-numbered years • Each “new” Congress given a number to identify its 2 year term ie: first Congress met in 1789, 113th Congress began Jan. 3, 2013

5. Congressional Sessions • Each term divided into two sessions • Typical session lasts January – November, typically between 130-190 days.

6. House of Representatives • 435 voting members • Each state allotted at least 1 representative • Allotted according to population • Adjusted after each 10-year census • Term length of Representatives = 2 years

7. Congressional Districts • Each state is divided into one or more congressional district • Constituents • Gerrymandering • Abuse in power of districting • Increases voting power of particular group

8. The Senate • 100 members • 2 per state • Represents entire state instead of districts • 6 year terms

9. Leaders in Congress • Majority Party • Minority Party • Speaker of the House – guidance of house/leads debates • No speaker in Senate, but VP presides and serve as tie-breaker • President Pro Tempore – “for the time being”

10. Congressional Committees • Standing committees • Permanent Committees • Both Senate & House • Agriculture, Commerce, Veteran’s Affairs • Select committees • Limited time, until task is completed • Intelligence • Homeland • Joint committees • Members of both houses • Economics • Taxation

11. Committee Assignments • Seniority System • Preferred committee spots