1. Brief History Lesson on Congress To understand why we have a bicameral Congress.

2. Congress The Constitution immediately establishes a bicameral legislature Two Houses; House of Reps and Senate

3. Congress 3 Reasons for doing this; 1) Historical – British Parliament had two houses (House of Lords and House of Commons)

4. Congress 3 Reasons for doing this; 1) Historical – British Parliament had two houses (House of Lords and House of Commons) 2) Practically – To rectify the differences between Virginia and New Jersey Plans

5. Congress 3 Reasons for doing this; 1) Historical – British Parliament had two houses (House of Lords and House of Commons) 2) Practically – To rectify the differences between Virginia and New Jersey Plans 3) Theoretically – so they would act as a check

6. New Jersey vs. Virginia Plan Constitutional Convention in Philly;

7. New Jersey vs. Virginia Plan Constitutional Convention in Philly; James Madison (father of the Constitution) proposed a unicameral legislature

8. New Jersey vs. Virginia Plan Constitutional Convention in Philly; James Madison (father of the Constitution) proposed a unicameral legislature However, there was a strong disagreement over how to represent the states in Congress

9. New Jersey Plan New Jersey (smaller state) wanted equal representation in Congress Every state gets 2 representatives

10. Virginia Plan Virginia (large state) wanted representation in Congress based upon population The more people you have, the more representatives you will have in Congress

11. The Great Compromise After a long stand-off, the two sides agreed to combine the two plans

12. The Great Compromise After a long stand-off, the two sides agreed to combine the two plans Create a bicameral legislature House of Representatives is based upon population (435) Senate based upon equal representations (2 from each state)

13. Sessions Each term of Congress (2 years) is divided into two sessions.

14. Sessions Each term of Congress (2 years) is divided into two sessions. Must assemble at least once a year Sessions generally last the entire year Congress will adjourn its session with consent from one another (sine die)

15. Sessions Each term of Congress (2 years) is divided into two sessions. Must assemble at least once a year Sessions generally last the entire year Congress will adjourn its session with consent from one another (sine die) Special Sessions can be called by the president to deal with a pressing issue