Congress

Goal: How is congress the most representative branch of government.

Bicameral Legislature Bicameral: Made up of two houses, in the case of the United States, the Senate and the House of Representatives.

Membership of the House 435 members in total Constitution does not set the total number of House members. Qualifications 25 Years Old Citizen of the United States for at least 7 years. Legal resident of the state that elects them. Traditionally, representatives also live in the district they represent

Membership of the House Term of Office Elected for two-year terms. This means that every two years, all 435 members of the House must run for reelection. More then 90 percent of all representatives are reelected.

Representation and Reapportionment Goal: Assign representation according to population. Census Bureau takes a census, or population count, every 10 years. The population of each state determines the new number of representatives to which each is entitled – known as reapportionment.

Congressional Redistricting Done after reapportionment. Each state sets up congressional districts – one for each legislature. Redistricting: The process of setting up new district lines after reapportionment has been completed is called redistricting State legislators may redraw congressional districts in the middle of a decade. Abuses result in: 1) Districts of very unequal populations. 2) Gerrymandering

Gerrymandering Elbridge Gerry: Democratic-Republican governor of Massachusetts. Signed redistricting plan that, when looking at a map, resembled a salamander.

Gerrymandering Gerrymandering: Political party controlling the state government draws a district’s boundaries to gain an advantage in elections. Packing: drawing lines so they include as many of the opposing party’s voters as possible. Crowding the oppositions voters into one district makes the remaining districts safe for the majorities party. Cracking: Dividing an opponent’s voters into other districts, to weaken the opponents voter base.

http://www.redistrictinggame.org/index.php?pg=game

Roles in the House Most work is done by Committee. Committee work is more important to the House then it is to the Senate because the House is so large. House members serve on committees that represent the issues important to their constituents. Constituents: the people in the districts they represent

Roles in the House Speaker of the House: presiding officer of the House and its most powerful leader. Recognize members during proceedings Appoints members of some committees Schedules bills for action Refers bills to the proper committee Follows vice-pres in line of succession

Roles in the House Majority Leader Help plan the party’s legislative program, steer important bills through the House, and make sure the chairpersons of the committees finishes work on important bills. Leader on the floor Majority Whip and Deputy Whips Whips server as assistant floor leaders Watch dogs for how members intend to vote - persuade them if need be.

Majority Leader Rep. Eric Cantor Represents Republicans on the House floor. Majority Whip Rep. Kevin McCarthy Assists leadership in managing party's legislative program. Democratic Leader Rep. Nancy Pelosi Represents Democrats on the House floor.

Membership of the Senate According to the constitution, the Senate “shall be composed of two senators from each state.” Thus today’s senate is made up of 100 members. Qualifications Thirty years old Citizens of the United States for 9 years Legal resident of the state they represent.

Membership of the Senate 17th Amendment: Direct election of the Senate. 6 year terms, where only 1/3 of senators are up for reelection every two years. Salaries: 27th Amendment States that congress may not ratify any pay raise that will take in effect for that time period.

Franking Privilege Free postage: the senators signature suffices as a mail stamp. Other Privileges Includes: Stationary, Medical Clinics, Gymnasiums, Allowances for staff assistants, trips homes, telephones, and newsletters. All members are entitled to an income tax deduction. Pensions of $150,000 or more a year for life.

Members of Congress 535 Total + 1 delegate in the House from Guam, District of Columbia, American Samoa, and the Virgin Islands. All attend sessions but cannot vote. Characteristics Pg129

Roles In the Senate Represent entire states Senate has no Speaker Issues will range from national defense to social issues to farming Senate has no Speaker The constitution names the vice president as president of the Senate Only votes in cases of a tie Recognizes members Puts questions to a vote President pro tempore “Pro tempore” – for the time being. Senior member of majority party.

Roles in the Senate Majority Leader Minority Leader Makes certain party members attend important sessions Organize support for key bills Plans Senate’s work schedule and agenda Minority Leader Develops criticism for the majority party’s bills. Keeps senators in the minority party working together

Important Tools Filibuster: To stall legislative process and prevent a vote. Stall tactics include talking continuously and delaying issues in committee. Cloture: Puts a stop to a filibuster. Takes a vote of three-fifths of the Senate which would then allow senators to speak only 1 hour on a bill under debate.