Ch. 7: Congress – The Legislative Branch Student notes 1
WHY A CONGRESS? “First branch” or “broke branch” Functions: lawmaking, representation, service to constituents, oversight Democratic experiment (republic) – reflection of citizens People are the ultimate rulers
REQUIREMENTS American Bicameralism REPRESENTATIVE SENATOR House of Representatives & Senate = CONGRESS REPRESENTATIVE American citizen for 7 years 25 years old Resident of the state from which they are elected SENATOR American citizen for 9 years 30 years old Resident of the state from which they are elected
US SENATE Members: 100 Terms: 6 years 2/state Terms: 6 years No term limits Staggered seats 1/3 up for reelection Structure: loose; nearly unlimited debate Filibuster – prolonged speech, or series of speeches GOALS: delay vote on a bill so it doesn’t become a law; protect minority voice CLOTURE – 2/3 senators vote to end filibuster Check on POTUS: approves presidential appointments by majority vote approves treaties by a two-thirds vote conducts impeachment trials (2/3 convicts)
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Members: 435 Based on population Terms: 2 years No term limits ALL up for reelection every federal election Structure: strict Specialties: initiates appropriations bills initiates impeachment (majority charges)
Who Serves in Congress? Congress is becoming less white and less male, although women and ethnic minorities are still underrepresented. Descriptive representation means that members have the same characteristics as constituents. Substantive representation means that members of Congress will represent their constituents’ best interests. Incumbents are elected at much higher rates than challengers. This is called the incumbency advantage.
CONGRESSIONAL DEMOGRAPHICS Overwhelmingly SENATE does not reflect the population of America
ReAPPORTIONMENT & ReDISTRICTING Process of allocating seats in HOR after census ONE MAN ONE VOTE! Redistricting – Process of state legislatures drawing the boundary lines for the districts from which representatives will be elected Gerrymandering – District shape is altered by maj party in leg to maximize its electoral strength Create safe seats
POWERS OF CONGRESS EXPRESSED, IMPLIED 1) Fiscal Power - levying and collecting taxes - pay our country's debts; provide for the defense; borrowing money; coining and printing currency; establish standards for weights and measures 2) Trade Regulation - regulate foreign and interstate trade 3) Military Power – Defense: establishing a military force: arming, establishment of military laws - Military power is shared with the president BUT power to declare war is granted to the Congress. 4) Other Powers – citizenship; maintain a post office; copyrights and patents; establish federal courts
HOR, SHARE, OR SEN???