Unit 2: The Three Branches

 The House of Representatives (Article 1, Section 2)  Congressional Reorganization Act (1921) – sets number in House at 435 representatives  Directly elected by the people (2 year terms)  State representation based on population  Census clause  States have control over distribution of representation (Gerrymandering) with federal oversight (Voting Rights Act)  Each State guaranteed one representative  Original slavery issues (3/5 th Compromise) – 13 th Amendment

 The House of Representatives  Qualifications  Equal to the most requirements of the State’s most numerous branch of State legislature  In addition, must be 25 years old, 7 years a citizen of the United States and live in the State represented  Procedures – sets own procedures, officers and membership rules  Power of Impeachment (executive and judicial)

 The House of the Senate (Article I, Section 3)  Originally appointed by the States to 6-year terms  Seventeenth Amendment (1913)  Each State has two representatives  Qualifications – 30 years old, 9 years a citizen of the United States and live in the State  Vice-President is President of the Senate, but has only a tie-breaking vote  Procedures – sets own procedures, officers and membership rules  Power to confirm Executive appointments (majority) and ratify treaties signed by the President (2/3)  Tries charges of impeachment – if POTUS, then the Chief Justice presides over the trial. Only has power to remove from office