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Legislative Branch

Legislative Branch. Chapter 10 - Congress. The National Legislature. Article I of the Constitution Established a bicameral legislature Houses in the Legislative Branch House of Representatives Senate Congress is bicameral because It was like the British Parliamentary system

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Legislative Branch

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  1. Legislative Branch Chapter 10 - Congress

  2. The National Legislature • Article I of the Constitution • Established a bicameral legislature • Houses in the Legislative Branch • House of Representatives • Senate • Congress is bicameral because • It was like the British Parliamentary system • Early state legislatures used it • It was part of the Connecticut/Great Compromise • The framers hoped each house would check the other’s power

  3. Term of Congress • Term = 2 years • Session = 1 year

  4. The House of Representatives • The largest of the two houses • 435 members • Representation is based on population • The census every 10 years determines apportionment • Each state is guaranteed at least one representative • Elected from districts within the state • Districts are drawn by state legislatures • Districts must be drawn in accordance with the ‘one-man, one-vote rule (no gerrymandering)

  5. Representatives • Qualifications • Be at least 25 years old • Be a U.S. citizen for at least 7 years • Live in the state/district they represent • Are elected for a two-year tem and have unlimited chances for re-election

  6. Senate • Constitution • Guarantees each state two senators • Total senators is 100 • Qualifications • Must be at least 30 years old • Be a citizen for at least 9 years • Live in the state they represent • Are elected for a six-year term. Have unlimited chances for re-election

  7. Members of Congress • Congress is not a representative cross-section of the American population • Congressmen have five jobs • Legislator who makes laws • Representative for the interests of their constituents • Servant who helps their constituents • Committee member who serves on committees in Congress • Politician who tries to please everyone

  8. Congressmen adopt one of four behavior styles • Trustee – decisions are based on their best judgment • Delegate – they follow the wishes of their constituents • Partisan – they follow their political party • Politico – they try to balance all three of the above

  9. Office Holders • House of Representatives • Speaker of the House – John Boehner • Majority Party Leader – Eric Cantor • Minority Party Leader – Nancy Pelosi • 11thDistrict Representative – Phil Gingrey • Senate • Senate President – Joe Biden • Senate President Pro Tempore – Patrick Leachy • Majority Party Leader – Harry Reid • Minority Party Leader – Mitch McConnell • GA’s Senior Senator – Saxby Chambliss • GA’s Junior Senator – Johnny Isakson

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