Introduction to the Constitution Sets down two things: (1) to show the legitimacy of the new government, or its right to rule; (2) state why the new government is formed

Congress: the legislature, or lawmaking branch of government. Framers saw the Constitution as the CENTRAL BRANCH of government because it represents the people most directly. Congress is made-up of TWO HOUSES: (1) Senate; (2) House of Representatives

The House of Representatives: –Sometimes called the House or the lower house. –Serve for 2 years; then they must run for re-election. –The number of representatives each state can sent to the House is based on POPULATION.

The House of Representatives: –Has the power of impeachment: to put a politician on TRIAL because the politician is accused of doing something wrong.

Senate: –Sometimes called “the upper house” –Senators are now elected directly by the people (Amendment Seventeen) –Have 6 year terms; then run for re- election. – 1/3 of the Senate is elected every 2 years –Each state, regardless of population, has 2 Senators. –The Senate tries the case in an impeachment trial –Takes a 2/3 vote by the Senate to convict the impeached person

Provisions of the Constitution that keep one branch of government from controlling the other two branches

Section 7 of Article 1 explains how new laws are passed A bill may be introduced in either the House or Senate (BUT, all bills for raising money, such as taxes, must begin in the House of Representatives; but must be approved by a majority in each house. A bill must be approved by the president – part of the system of checks and balances Veto: when president does not sign the bill The bill can still become law if 2/3 of both houses vote to override the veto

Enumerated powers: powers specifically granted in the Constitution (Section 8; Article 1) – THEY INCLUDE THE POWER TO TAX, TO BORROW MONEY, AND TO SET UP COURTS

Implied Powers: Congress has the power to do what is “necessary and proper” to carry out its other powers. It is called the elastic clause because it can be used to stretch, or expand, the government’s power

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Requirements for House of Representatives: –25 years old –7 years a citizen of the United States –Must live in state that he or she will represent

SENATOR Must be at least 30 years old 9 years a citizen of the United States Must live in state he or she represents