The Basics of the National Legislature Congress The Basics of the National Legislature
Unit Two Packet! NUMBER 1 ON TOP!!! All About those Political Parties The Nation’s First Parties Voting and Voter Behavior The Electoral Process Influences on Elections Study Guide Bell Ringers!
Bell Ringer!!! Tell me everything you know (or think you know) about Congress!
The Basics Purpose: To make laws Structure: Bicameral = two houses! Senate & House of Reps Term: No limits Senate – 6 Years House of Reps. – 2 Years Session: 2-year period of “legislative business” Currently moving into 115th Jan. 3, 2017 – Jan. 3, 2019 Special Session: Can only be called by President Basic Vocab: Convenes – Session begins Adjourns – Session ends Recess – Break time -Last time special session called—Harry Truman in July 1948 -Political move—was about to lose the election and called Congress to enact civil rights legislation. Reps said no, accused him of political motivation and abuse of power. Dems spun it and called the 80th Congress the “do-nothing” Congress. Truman won!
The House of Representatives Who can be in the House? 25 Years Old Citizen – 7 Years Live in state that elects you
The House of Representatives Idaho has 2! How do we get the number? Divided up among states Based on population = PROPORTIONAL Representation Single-Member Districts Raul Labrador District – 1 (2011) Mike Simpson District – 2 (1999)
The House of Representatives Reapportionment – Redistributing the amount of legislatures each state gets after the census Redistricting – Redrawing district lines within a state Determined by the state legislature Problems – Gerrymandering!
Senate Who can be in the Senate? 30 Years Old Citizen – 9 Years Live in state that elects you
Senate How do we get the number? 100 Senators Idaho gets 2! How do we get the number? Apportionment based on EQUAL representation 2 for each state Set by Constitution Mike Crapo (1998) Jim Risch (2009)
Senate Senators originally elected by STATE legislatures Meant to be buffer, more “enlightened” than House 17th Amendment created direct elections of Senators 1/3 elected every two years
So what do members do? Number one job is to legislate–make laws! Represent constituents: Constituents are people in their district they represent and that elected them to office Ways to represent: Delegate – votes way people would vote Trustee – votes way they believe Partisan – votes the way party wants them to vote Politico – votes the way that will get them elected (combo)
Congressional Benefits Congress sets its own salary: $174,000: regular members $193,000: Senate President pro tem and floor leaders $223,500: Speaker of the House $227,300: Vice President Fringe Benefits: Travel allowances Government health care Retirement plans Offices Franking privileges Free printing Immunity from arrest during their session, except in cases of treason, felony, or breach of peace
Kentucky state senator Brandon Smith (R)—claimed immunity Kentucky state senator Brandon Smith (R)—claimed immunity. Still in senate!
Demographics of Congress Directions Read through both of the articles below. Then, on another piece of paper answer the questions about the demographics of Congress compared to the U.S. demographics. Discussion Questions Identify at least 4 characteristics of a typical representative in the 115th Congress based on the article. List 3 groups of people who might have reason to question whether or not Congress adequately represents their interests. Explain each. Identify and explain several differences between the make-up of Congress and the general public. Do you believe the current make up of Congress is a positive or negative aspect of the American government? Explain and defend your answer.