Our National Legislature - Congress

What type of government exists in America? a. Parliamentary b. Monarchy c. Direct Democracy d. Republic

Our National Legislature  Republic – representative democracy  Translates the wishes of the people into Law

Bicameralism  2 house legislature

Bicameralism: Historical  Borrowed from...  British and Europe

Bicameralism: Practical  Compromise between Big States and Small States  House – Big States; population  Senate – Small States; equal

Bicameralism: Theoretical  One House Checks the Other House  A Bill Must Pass both Houses

Reasons for Differences The House is more responsive and accountable to public will –they represent less people and have shorter terms The Senate is independent from short-term political pressures –longer terms provide for stability – more prestigious branch Prevents Congress from becoming too powerful To resolve the conflict between large and small states

Term of Congress  2 years  Starts 1 st week of January following elections  Current Congress 113 th Jan. ‘13 – Jan. ‘15

Session of Congress  When Congress meets to conduct business  1 Session each year  2 Sessions in a Term of Congress

Special Session of Congress  Can be called by the President  Can call either house  Typically the President has called the Senate to approve treaties or confirm appointees

Current Congressional Info 43 African American members 100 Female members - record 8 LGBT members – record 278 Republicans 252 Democrats 2 Independents 3 Vacancies