Legislative Branch

Congress Bicameral Congress – 2 House Legislature Historical Reason: England had a bicameral congress, House of Lords and House of Commons Practical Reason: Settled the dispute between the Virginia and New Jersey Plans for government (regarding representation large states vs. small states) Theoretical Reason: One house would check the power of the other house

Congress House of Lords – consisted of the Aristocracy, more prestigious = U.S. Senate House of Commons – consisted of the common people = U.S. House of Representatives 535 Members 100 in the Senate 435 in the House

Congress General Election – Held the Tuesday following the 1st Monday in November of even numbered years.

House of Representatives 435 Members Fixed by the Constitution Membership based upon population, more people that live in a state the more representation they may have in the House. 2 Year term of office – entire House comes up for re-election every 2 years. Elected from Single Member Districts i.e. Congressional Districts. 1 District for each representative = 435 Single Member Districts in the United States.

House of Representatives Qualifications Formal Qualifications 25 Years Old 7 year U.S. Citizen Live in the State in which you are elected Informal Qualifications Experience College Degree Live in the District that you represent Successful professional life – business etc…usually law

Senate Equal representation – 2 per state as stipulated by our constitution for a total of 100 members in the Senate Elected in at large elections (State Wide) Serve a 6 year staggered term – 1/3 of the senate comes up for re-election every 2 years. Senate has a Continuous Body because 2/3 of the Senate is always intact.

Senate Qualifications Formal Qualifications Informal Qualifications 30 Years Old US Citizen for 9 years Live in the State Elected Informal Qualifications Experience College Education Successful professional life – business etc…usually law