The Legislative Branch Article I of the Constitution

Concept 2: Individuals, Groups, and Institutions Topics will include: Breakdown of the US Congress Qualifications/ Terms/ Compensation & Privileges of Congress The Election Process/ The Impact of the 17th Amendment The Legislative Process (Bill  Law) Functions of leadership positions and committees Influence of lobbyists and interest groups

Election Process of Congress Congressional elections are held every two years. House Every member is up for re-election every 2 years.

Election Process of Congress Senate- The term of office for the Senate is 6 years The body of the Senate is divided into three groups for election purposes (33/33/34) That is how only 1/3 of the Senate is up for re-election every two years

Election Process of Congress Senate- Once a group has gone through the election process, that group will not have to run for re-election for 6 years

Election Process of Congress Example of the election rotation: 2014: group A ran for re-election- mid-term election 2016: group B will run- Presidential election year 2018: group C will run- mid-term election 2020: 6 years will have passed, so it will be time for group A again- Presidential election year

Impact of the 17th Amendment Americans did not directly vote for senators for the first 125 years of our nation. The Constitution, as it was adopted in 1788, stated that senators would be elected by state legislatures.

Impact of the 17th Amendment 17th Amendment (1913) established the popular election of United States Senators by the people of the states. Impact of the 17th Amendment: Citizens now voted for their senators- more democratic Strengthened the link between citizens & the federal government