The Legislative Branch

Made up of Senate (6 years) and House of Representatives (2 years) The founders intended that the legislative branch have more power than either the executive or the judicial branches since it is in charge of creating laws that reflect the needs of the citizens. Made up of Senate (6 years) and House of Representatives (2 years) Each term of Congress starts on Jan. 3 of odd-numbered years and lasts two years. The 115th Congress is in session now (started Jan. 2017 and will until Jan. 2019) Read first paragraph.

House of Representatives The House has 435 members. They are called “representatives,” “congressmen” or “congresswomen” Qualifications: 25 years old US citizen for 7 years Legal resident of state represented Must live (or maintain a primary residence) in their district Ted Yoho is the representative for District 3 (which includes Gainesville)

House of Representatives Reapportionment Census is done every 10 years If states gain/lose population, they gain or lose representatives Redistricting states set up new congressional districts after reapportionment

Redistricting Abuses Gerrymandering – majority party draws district lines to gain an advantage. Packing – packing opposing party’s voters into one district, so opposition will win, but other districts will be “safe.” Cracking – dividing up opposing party’s voters into as many districts as possible, to dilute their vote. Read “Gerrymandering” Study map on p. 125 Study chart on p. 127 FL-3 is a “majority-minority” district that has been at the center of gerrymandering controversy for years after being redrawn in an effort to give black voters more of a voice.

Senate Qualifications Term of Office 30 years old US citizen for 9 years Legal resident of state they represent Term of Office Six years A third of senators elected every two years Our two senators from FL: Bill Nelson (D) Marco Rubio (R) Fewer Senators = more power, more responsibility, more prestige.

Senate Privileges Automatic cost-of-living salary adjustments (salary is $174,000/year) Franking privileges – free postage for official business Health care, gym, large allowances to pay for office staff, assistants, trips home, phones, etc. Income tax deduction to help maintain two residences (one in home state, one in DC) Free from all arrest, except in cases of treason, felony, and breach of the peace Cannot be sued for anything they say on the House or Senate floor Generous retirement plan Do these privileges seem excessive? Would you like to have two residences? Would you like to campaign for office?

Read “Reelection to Congress”

Read “Reelection to Congress”