Chapter 5 - Section 1
Lesson Essential Question How does the bicameral organization of Congress represent all American people?
Bicameral Legislature A lawmaking body of two houses House of Representatives - based on population Senate - each state is equal
House of Representatives Each state gets at least one 435 members Elections in November of even years 2 year terms If one resigns or dies - special election called by the governor
Apportionment How house seats are distributed Population decrease = less representatives Elected by districts Each district must be approximately equal
Senate 100 members - 2 from each state 6 year terms Elections in even numbered years 1/3 elected at each time = 2/3 have some experience Governor appoints if a vacancy
House Qualifications At least 25 years old Been a citizen of the US for at least 7 years Legal resident of the state - most also live in district also Not required by Constitution
Senate Qualifications At least 30 years old US citizen for at least 9 years Legal resident of the state you represent
Salary and Benefits Yearly salary of $174,000 Minority & Majority Leaders $193,400 Speaker $223,500 President Pro Tempore $193,400 Offices in the capital building, allowance to pay staff, free trips to home state, allowance for local district offices, stationary
Franking Privilege The right to mail official letters or packages free of charge
Immunity When in session, members cannot be arrested in or on their way to or from a session Ensures they are not kept from their duties
Rules of Conduct Both houses have the right to decide who will be seated as members Supreme Court may review their actions in this regard
Codes of Conduct Establish limits to the amount of outside income a member may earn Make a full disclosure of financial holdings
Expulsion Person must give up his or her seat in Congress Requires a 2/3 vote Happens rarely
Censure Formal disapproval of a members actions Must stand in front of the members and listen to the charges Senate - 9 members House - 22 members