Set-up of the Legislative Branch
You tube on the set of Congress https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tOJz1tNssGA
Membership? House of Representatives Senate 435 100
What is membership based on? House of Representatives Senate Population of the state (taken from the census: population count taken every 10-years) 2 per state –equal representation
What are the requirements? House of Representatives Senate 25 years old citizen for 7 years prior to the election live in the district you represent 30 years old citizen for 9 years prior to the election live in the state you represent
Term of Office Senate 2 year terms Every 2 Years 4 year terms House of Representatives Senate 2 year terms Every 2 Years 4 year terms 6 years (1/3 up for election every 2 years)
How is membership decided? House of Representatives Senate Members are elected from local districts in each state. Gerrymandering-when states divided in odd-shaped districts for strictly political gain, i.e. more Republicans in district. Members are chosen from an entire state.
Link
Privaledges and Penalties House of Representatives Senate Franking-free postage Immunity-freedom from legal prosecution Censure-formal disapproval for minor offenses Expulsion:2/3 vote of HR or Sen. for serious offenses Same as House
Leaders? Speaker of the House Senate House of Representatives Senate Constitutional leader: Vice President votes in tie only Actual leader: President Pro Tempore
How is impeachment handled? House of Representatives Senate May impeach (to accuse government officials of misconduct while in office) Senate is the jury – 2/3’s vote
How are debates Handled? House of Representatives Senate Rules Committee sets the terms for debate – usually places time limits on the discussion Filibuster: talk a bill to death – can end a filibuster if 3/5’s of the members vote for cloture; no one may speak more than 1 hour
Who approves Presidential Treaties? House of Representatives Senate All tax bills and other measures to raise $ must start in the HOR Authorization bills: create projects & establishes how money can be spent on them Appropriations bills: actually provides the $ for each program/activity Has to approve $ bills
Who approves Presidential Appointments? House of Representatives Senate Does not approve presidential treaties 2/3 votes to ratify treaty
Regular Session: meet from Jan. to Nov/Dec Special Session: Called by Pres. to deal w/pressing problem Joint Session: House & Senate meet together--i.e. State of Union
I’M Just a Bill http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FFroMQlKiag