Chapter 6

Why are 35-44 year olds more likely to volunteer than other age groups Focus Question Why are 35-44 year olds more likely to volunteer than other age groups

Terms of Congress 535 members in the congress 435 Representatives 100 Senators Branch that represents the people Term begins January 3rd at noon (what amendment states this?) Each term is given a number Each is divided into 2 sessions

Bicameral Legislature 1. House of Representatives Larger of the 2 houses Depends on population of each state (Proportional Representation) 2 year term Unlimited reelection 2. Senate 6 year term Smaller group Each state is equal (Equal Representation) Rotates in 1/3 cycles Page 141

Congressional Leaders Majority party >50% (who is the majority party today?) Minority party < 50% Speaker of The House (leader of the House) Chosen by the House Has to be the majority party In charge of the floor debates Influences ALL house decisions Senate Vice President is in charge Only comes to the senate when there is a tie Chairperson (president pro tempore leads the floor debates)

Committees First step in lawmaking Types Standing Select Joint Permanent Each have sub committees Select Special jobs Joint Both the house and the senate work together Conference Helps the house and the senate agree on things

Committee Committee assignments depend on: Preference Experience Loyalty Sonority Committees are the first step in the process of lawmaking page142

Section 2

How many times can members of congress be reelected? Focus Question How many times can members of congress be reelected?

Focus Question How many members are in congress, how many members are in the house of representatives, how many members are in the senate?

Legislative powers Expressed powers Implied powers Written in the constitution Necessary and proper clause Implied powers Powers not written in the constitution but through the necessary and proper clause Can change at any time Most of Congresses Powers are related to law making

Expresses Powers 1. Taxing and Spending 2. Regulating Commerce Collect taxes All tax bills start in the house Senate approves the bills All bills to spend money start in the house 2. Regulating Commerce Regulate foreign and interstate commerce Air traffic, railroads, interstates 3. Foreign Relations and Treaties Only congress can declare war Create maintain and oversee the militia Make treaties 4. Impeachment House brings articles against a person Senate decides their fate

Non legislative Powers Propose constitutional amendments 2/3 from each house Counting electoral votes Can choose a winner if there is not a clear winner Checks and balances 1. power of approval and removal Senate can approve and reject presidential nominees for high ranking offices The house has the sole power of impeachment Senate then votes 2. oversight and investigation Overseeing government activities Departments

Limits on Power Congress cant: Favor any one state Infringe on amendments Suspend Habeas corpus- police bring in a person and explain his/her charges Pass bills of attainder punishment without a jury trial Impose ex post facto laws an act that makes a crime a crime after it has been committed Infringe on states rights

Section 3

Focus Question What are three rights that only congress has?

Requirements and Benefits Senators 30 years old Live in the state you represent Be a U.S. citizens for at least 9 years House of Representatives 25 years old Be a U.S. citizen for at least 7 years

Both Houses Characteristics 50% lawyers 99% college educated All have served in local or state offices $165,000 a year as salary Franking Privileges Free postal services Benefits Immunity Travel vouchers Housing privileges Free meals

Congressional staff Congress have staff Clerks, secretaries, and assistances 1. Personal Staff Gather info on new bills Arrange meetings Write speeches inters 2. Committee Staff works for committees 3. Support Services Library of congress Congressional budget office

Members of Work There are 3 main jobs of congress 1. Lawmaking Introducing bills Making laws 2. Casework Helping home states deal with the government 80,000 emails a day 3. Helping the State Protect the interest of the states

Section 4

What is a Franking Privilege? Focus Question What is a Franking Privilege?

Bills and Resolutions More than 10,000 Bills are introduced into each session of congress Bills fall into two categories Private Bills Individual Public Bills Nation Resolution Statement that reflects a lawmakers decision Joint resolution Both houses sign Joint Resolutions usually pass

From a Bill to a law Bills can be introduce by both senators and the house 4 step process 1.Committee Action determines which bills will be heard 2.Floor Debate Hears bills the committee has passed Time restrictions Filibuster 3.Voting on a Bill Voice Standing Approved by both houses 4. Presidential Action Veto Pocket veto Passes 2/3 override