The United States Congress
Foundations of our Legislature The founding of our country was influenced by many aspects of Western European government England long had a tradition of a legislative body. The British Parliament surely influenced the framers of the Constitution The Colonies had their own experience with legislatures The Continental Congress Each state had become accustom to being sovereign.
Big vs. Small Big states vs. Small states Each wanted to be represented in Congress Virginia (big) felt they should have more power Why would Rhode Island (small) join? Our government is a Representative Republic Citizens are represented by elected officials who make decisions on the behalf of the people that elected them. This idea is most clearly seen in our Legislature
Connecticut to the Rescue! The Connecticut Compromise Created two houses in the Congress One would be based on population (The House) One would be equally apportioned. (The Senate) This system is called Bicameralism Two houses
The House of Representatives The People’s house Comprised of representatives from each state Each representative represents a portion of the population. California – 53 Wyoming – 1 The total number of House Members today is 435 Each session of Congress lasts for 2 years Congress is currently in its 115th session Hold office for two years
The Senate The Deliberative Body Comprised of Senators from each state Each Senator represents the entire state. California – 2 Wyoming – 2 Senate Membership - 100 Each session of Congress lasts for 2 years 1/3 of all Senators are up for re-election each cycle Hold office for 6 years
Justification for Requirements Members of the House of Representatives serve two-year terms and are considered for reelection every even year. Senators serve six-year terms and elections to the Senate are staggered over even years so that only about 1/3 of the Senate is up for reelection during any election. Why is that? Reps: Senators:
How Long Can They Serve? There is no limit to the number of times a member can run If they can win, they can serve. John Dingell (D-MI) served in the House for 59 years Robert Byrd (D-WV) served in the Senate 51 years What might be the advantages/disadvantages of having no term limits?
A note on elections For congressional elections there are two phases: A PRIMARY in which parties attempt to select one person to represent them Lots of Democrats or Republican run to represent the party The Democrats or Republicans in the state vote on these candidates The winner goes on to represent the party in the GENERAL elections In the general election one Democrat and one Republican compete for the actual office Everyone votes for one of the two candidates