Purposi Be able to define the following: Census Reapportionment Impeachment Filibuster We will compare the two houses of Congress We will look at the perks of being a Congressperson

United States Congress

The Two Chambers

House of Representatives “House of the People”

House of Representatives Qualifications 25 years old Citizen of U.S. for at least 7 years Legal resident of state that elects them Traditionally live in district that they represent

House of Representatives Term of Office Elections held in Nov. of even-numbered years Elected every 2 years – continuity because 90% are reelected If die/resign – governor appoints temporary replacement until special elections

House of Representatives Representation &Reapportionment Based on population Use census that is taken every 10 years to determine # of reps. and reapportionment Originally had 64 representatives – now 435

Unique Characteristics 435 members total elected directly by the people One congressman represents about 660,000 people All bills having to do with spending money must start in this House, not the Senate Has a “Rules Committee” to make rules for deliberating bills Has sole power of Impeachment

United States Congress

Senate “House of Wisdom”

Senate Qualifications Must be 30 years old Citizen of U.S. for 9 years Legal resident of the state they represent Voters of each state elect senators at large = statewide

Senate Terms of Office elections held in Nov. of even-numbered years 6 year terms, only 1/3 of senators run for reelection every 2 years If dies/resigns the state legislature can authorize governor to appoint someone to fill vacancy until next election

Original Intent Senators were originally chosen by the State Legislatures Why? The 17th Amendment (1913) changed the manner of their election to Direct Election

Unique Characteristics Two Senators per state, Equal Representation Power to try impeached officials Power to approve all Presidential appointees and treaties No rules in Senate for debate Filibuster

Membership of Congress “The Perks”

Salary and Benefits Senate and House set own salaries 27th Amendment said Congressional salary increase will take effect after next election Year 2008 = $169,300 Medical, Retirement, etc . . .

Privileges of Members Free from arrest “in all cases except treason, felony, and breach of peace” when attending Congress or to and from Congress Can’t be sued for anything said on House/Senate floor – but doesn’t extend to outside of Congress

Many from business, banking, education Characteristics Almost ½ are lawyers Many from business, banking, education Typically white, Protestant males Average age is usually over 50

2008 Congressional Demographics Senate 17 Women 13 Jews 1 Japanese-American 1 Hispanic-American 1 Native Hawaiian 1 African-American Average Age: 62 Years old

House 1 Muslim 2 Buddhists 30 Jews 42 African Americans 74 women 27 Hispanics 3 Asian Americans 1 Native American

Importance of Party Affiliation In House and Senate Republicans sit on right side Democrats on left In both – the largest part(majority) selects the leaders, controls the flow of legislative work and appoints committee chairs

Reelection to Congress Very seldom not reelected Between 1945 and 1990 – 90% of incumbents won reelection Why? Easier to raise campaign funds, may represent districts that have worked in their favor, better known voters