The National Legislature Deep Thought: If pro is the opposite of con, then the opposite of progress would be _______________? lol, jk, , HAHAHAHA

The National Legislature Congress—most basic function is to translate public will into public policy in the form of law Intentions were to be the “first branch” of the National Government 1st and longest Article of the Constitution The National Legislature

The National Legislature Why a Bicameral Congress? Historical reasons- British Parliament was well known to Founding Fathers Practical reasons- settled dispute between the Virginia and New Jersey Plans during the Constitutional Conventions Two houses are an example of federalism Theoretical reasons- one house would act as a check on the other Would help control the power of Congress, which Framers thought would dominate the National Government Some argue that the Senate is undemocratic—why? The National Legislature

The National Legislature Terms and Sessions Each Congressional term lasts two years Moved from March 4 to January 3 in 1933 with the 20th Amendment A session is the period of time in which Congress meets and conducts business each year Two sessions per term (one each year) Both houses must agree to adjourn a session President may call Congress into special session Congress now meets year-round, so not likely anymore Most often used as a threat The National Legislature

The National Legislature House Senate 435 members 2 year terms Smaller constituencies (elected from specific districts within states) Requirements: 25 years old U.S. citizen for 7 years Live in state (district—informal) Younger Membership Less Prestige Less media visibility Strict rules, limited debate Work done in committees, not on the floor of the House No power over treaties and presidential appointments 100 members 6 year terms Larger constituencies (2 elected from entire state) Requirements: 30 years old U.S. citizen for 9 years Live in state Older Membership More Prestige More media visibility Flexible rules, unlimited debate Work split evenly between committees and floor of the Senate Approves or rejects treaties and presidential appointments The National Legislature

The National Legislature Gerrymandering—drawing district voting lines to the advantage of political party that is in power Named after Governor Elbridge Gerry of Massachusetts This is done in addition to the redistricting that is done decennially Two forms known as “packing” and “cracking” The Supreme Court has ruled that districts must be physically adjoining, but that has not stopped the practice. http://thedailyshow.cc.com/videos/0adjfq/american-horrible-story---gerrymandering https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mky11UJb9AY The National Legislature

The National Legislature Wesberry v. Sanders, 1964 “one person, one vote” gave more populated, urban areas a larger voice than before Today, each district contains roughly 700,000 people. The National Legislature