Agenda, March 17 th Look over Unit 3 Syllabus Look over Unit 3 Syllabus Lecture: The National Legislature Lecture: The National Legislature In-class activity In-class activity Pass back Unit 2 Test Pass back Unit 2 Test Introduction to Unit 3 project Introduction to Unit 3 project

The National Legislature Chapter 10 Section1

Bicameral Legislature Bicameral = two houses Bicameral = two houses –House of Representatives –Senate Legislature = make the laws Legislature = make the laws

Historically… British Parliament had two houses British Parliament had two houses Most colonial assemblies had 2 houses (except for Georgia and Pennsylvania) Most colonial assemblies had 2 houses (except for Georgia and Pennsylvania) Today, all state governments are also bicameral except for Nebraska Today, all state governments are also bicameral except for Nebraska

Practicality… Settle conflict between New Jersey Plan and Virginia Plan Settle conflict between New Jersey Plan and Virginia Plan To reflect idea of federalism (split powers) To reflect idea of federalism (split powers)

Theoretically… Liked bicameral legislature because it created checks and balances Liked bicameral legislature because it created checks and balances Saw it as a way to make sure Legislative branch wasn’t more powerful than Executive and Judicial branches Saw it as a way to make sure Legislative branch wasn’t more powerful than Executive and Judicial branches

Terms of Congress A new Congressional term convenes (begins) on January 3 rd of every odd-numbered year A new Congressional term convenes (begins) on January 3 rd of every odd-numbered year New representatives are elected in November of even- numbered years New representatives are elected in November of even- numbered years

Numbered System Each new Congress is given a number to identify it Each new Congress is given a number to identify it –1789: 1 st Congress –2013: 113 th Congress

Sessions Each term of Congress is divided into 2 sessions Each term of Congress is divided into 2 sessions Sessions run from January to late November/early December Sessions run from January to late November/early December

Special Sessions Special sessions of Congress can be called by the President during times of crisis Special sessions of Congress can be called by the President during times of crisis Most recent one: Most recent one: –1948 –Truman to consider tactics for WWII

In-Class Activity Page 272 of textbook Page 272 of textbook Read the Citizenship 101 assignment Read the Citizenship 101 assignment On your guided notes, brain storm ideas on topics to write about On your guided notes, brain storm ideas on topics to write about Follow the questions to outline how you would write this letter Follow the questions to outline how you would write this letter