Unit Three Powers of Congress Chapter 8

Government has big ideas!

Question 1 Name the three Branches of Government, it’s purpose, and the head or body of each.

United States Government. Three branches of Government. The Legislative branch --- Congress The Executive branch --- President The Judicial branch--- Supreme Court

Who came up with the idea of having three branches of Government?

The Legislative branch Congress Objectives of our study will include: I. Introduction. II. Qualifications of its members. III. Terms, duties, and benefits.

Introduction: The Great Compromise established a bicameral system of government. Gt. Compromise was agreed between large and small States over the issue of fair representation in gov’t. One house (part) based on equality. All States have same # of reps……..2 One house based on population size of the State. Members of Congress are called Congressmen or Congresswomen.

Two Houses of Congress. House of Representatives - based on population size - based on population size House of Senate - based on each State have equal numbers - based on each State have equal numbers

The House of Representatives. Led by “The Speaker of The House” 435 members All members must Be 25 years old or older Have to be a citizen of U.S.A. for 7 years. Live in the State that they will represent. Most members have A good knowledge of the law. Many lawyers go to politics. A good business mind and experiences. Served in some local, State, or other elected position before.

Facts about Representatives Two-year terms – no limit on the number of terms a person may serve. Each State is guaranteed at least one Representative. (DE has only 1) Population # is taken from the national census results every 10 years. States that have multiple Reps will divide their State into sections for each Rep to work with the Constituents. This has led to Gerrymandering, weird size and shaped areas that often have political party history with those people.

House of Senate 100 members, 2 from each State. Leader of Senate” is the Vice President “President Pro Tempore” runs things day to day. Vice President only observes, he only gets to vote in the case of a tie. Often the V.P. does not attend unless needed.

This is no Bull.

House of Senate All members must Be 30 years old or older have to be a citizen of U.S.A. for 9 years. Live in the State that they will represent. Most Senators have Prior government or elected experience at a lower level. The same types of background as Representatives.

Facts about Senate Facts –Six-year terms – elections are held biyearly to reelect approx 1/3rd at a time. –A level of experience and continuity is desired with staggered elections. –No limit on the number of terms a person may serve.

Congressional pay Representatives get paid the same as Senators. Bonus points for the person that finds out how much they get paid each year. Write it on paper with the amount and your name.

Congress Pay Scale House of Representatives Speaker of the House $186,300 Majority Leader $161,200 Majority Whip $161,200 Minority Leader $161,200 Minority Whip $161,200 Senate Leader Vice President $186,300 Pro Tempore $186,300 Majority Leader $161,200 Majority Whip $161,200 Minority Leader $161,200 Minority Whip $161,200

Members of Congress $150, % of base salary as extra duties + unlimited book revinues + unlimited book revinues

Presidential Pay President of USA $ 400,000 + $50,000 expenses retirement $151,800 office fee $150,000 former 1st lady $20,000 (not Hilary Clinton while she is a US Senator)

Benefits to Congress personnel. There is no difference between Representatives or Senators on paper or benefits. Salary of $__________________ Free office space, parking, travel to D.C. and home again A budget to cover staff, secretaries, and other assistants Franking privilege – use of U.S. postal Service Immunity from arrest or lawsuits brought against them as a result of their official work.

Other details Expulsion can happen if 2/3 of the House vote you out for “Abuse of Privileges” Censure is the most common punishment, basic telling off in front of all the other members as a humiliation. Work is done in “Session”. These traditionally run Jan-Nov, but often run all year. Special sessions can be called by certain people. Joint House meetings occur. Members work on numerous committees.

The End !