U.S. Congress

Capital Buildings Complex

U.S. Congress Bicameral (Why?) Historical: Great Britain’s Parliament had two houses Practical: The Great Compromise between the Virginia Plan and the New Jersey Plan

House of Representatives Lower House

Size 435 Members Representation by states is based on the state’s population. Reapportioned every 10 years based on the census count In 1999 Ohio had 19 reps, 2001Ohio had 18 reps, 2013: We have 16 reps

Years elected The House of Representatives term of office is 2 years. All 435 Representatives are up for election at the same time. Why Two Years?

Formal Qualification Must be at least 25 years of age Must be a citizen for a least 7 years. Must be an inhabitant of the State in which they are elected.

Paul Ryan …….. Speaker of the House 2nd in line to the presidency Most powerful person in Congress http://www.cnbc.com/2015/10/29/paul-ryan-elected-speaker-of-the-house.html

Party Breakdown Democrats: 193 Republicans: 237 Vacant 5

Top 3 Occupations before becoming a member of the House 1. Public Service 2. Business 3. Law

Average Age House: 55 years old Youngest: 30 Oldest; 71

Number of Millionaires in the House 123 Current Salary: $174,000

Concepts to know with the House Districting Districting: Drawing districts in states based on the population of the state. Almost all state legislatures draw up the districts. Redistricting: Districts are redrawn based on a change in the population of a State

Concepts to know with the House Districting Gerrymandering: named after Elbridge Gerry: The legislative process of where the majority party in the state draw the districts to benefit the party.

The Supreme Court has limited Gerrymandering Districts must be apportioned based on equal populations Districts must be contiguous: drawn with an unbroken line. Can’t be drawn to dilute minority strength

Gerrymandering districts example

Cracking and Packing

The Senate Upper House

Size 100 Members Each State has two members New Jesey Plan

Years Elected The Senate term of office: six years. Why six? Only 1/3 are up for election every two years. There can never be a complete turnover of Senators.

Party Breakdown Republicans 47 Democrats 51 Independents 2

Top 3 Occupations before becoming a member of the Senate Lawyers/Judges Public Service Business

60 years old Oldest: 87 years old Youngest: 40 years old Average Age: Senate 60 years old Oldest: 87 years old Youngest: 40 years old

Oldest man to serve in the Senate Strom Thurmond Served when he was 100 years-old

Number of Millionaires 33 Current Salary: $174,000 27th amendment

One of Richest people in Congress John Kerry His wife’s name is Teresa Heinz Kerry Worth $240 million.

Others (in Millions) Sen. John McCain $20 wife-$100 Sen. Sherrod Brown $145,000.00

Nonsalary Compensation Special tax deductions Travel allowances to travel from their district to Wash. D.C. Funds to hire a staff Franking privilege

Membership Privileges Cannot be arrested going to and from sessions of Congress for minor crimes. Cannot be sued for libel or slander while in sessions of Congress.

Members of Congress Five Major Roles

Congress most important job is to make the laws that run our country. 1.Legislator Congress most important job is to make the laws that run our country.

2. Representative of their constituents All members of Congress are elected to Represent the people (Constituents) in their district or State They give the people a voice in government

3. Committee Members All members of Congress are on committees that examine bills in a particular area.

4. Servant of the Constituents Lawmakers try to help the “people back home”

Members of Congress need to be informed on the issues of the day 5.Politicians Members of Congress need to be informed on the issues of the day Members of Congress from the first day in office want to be elected to another term.

Stuff……. Legislative Branch … Article 1 No term limits!! # of senators + # of Reps = electoral votes