1. Congress

2. Terms
Terms:
Congressional session (measured in 2-year increments since 1789)
Bicameral – or 2-house – other options are unicameral (1-house) or tricameral (3-house) – refers to legislative design
Power of the purse – originally given to House – now exercised by both House and Senate
Oversight: power of legislature over rest of government – exercised through studies, investigations, testimony & hearings before committees, dialog between/amongst leadership

3. Terms
Terms:
Confirmation – power of Senate to approve presidential appointments
Advice & consent – power of Senate for treaties and foreign policy issues
Apportionment - drawing of district lines for House seats – redistricting: every 10 years – gerrymandering: possible abuse of drawing of district lines

4. Why Bicameralism ) Why bicameralism? House of Democracy
House of the Federation (changed by 17th Amendment)

5. House of Representatives
House powers
Appropriations (originally)
Impeachment (Articles of Impeachment – charges)
Join with Senate in approving bills – normally takes both houses to pass a bill to be sent on to the president

6. US Senate Senate powers Same as the House +
Impeachment – sits as jury/determines guilt/innocence
Approval of treaties
Confirmation of presidential appointees
Advise & consent in foreign affairs

7. How a bill becomes a law

8. Committees Committees – see Crash course video
Leadership – see Crash course video
The Organization of Congress – follow links for House and Senate

9. Differences between House/Senate
Length of term
Size
Mentality
House = Delegate mentality
Senate = Trustee mentality
Senate – more respected – has greater Constitutional role

10. Leadership The Senate Leadership The House Leadership
President Pro tempore
Majority Leader
Minority Leader
The House Leadership
Speaker of the House