1. The Legislative Branch (Congress)
The law making branch of our government
Organized by the Great Compromise
Describe in Article I

2. The Structure of Congress
Bicameral: having two branches, chambers, or houses, as  a legislative body.
House of Representatives
Senate

3. Article 1, Section 2 The House of Representatives
435 members (divided between the states based on their population)
Determined by a census (count of the population) every 10 years
2 year terms – elected by popular vote
To make sure that Representatives pay attention to the changing opinions of voters
Requirements for Representatives
25 years old
Citizens of the U.S. for 7 years

4. Artilce I, Section 3 The Senate
100 members (2 from each state)
6 year terms – elected by popular vote
Provides Senators with some separation from changing voter opinion
Requirements for Senators
30 years old
Citizens of the U.S. for 9 years

5. Article 1, Section 7 How Congress Make Laws
The first job of Congress is to make laws
Step 1: a Bill (law) is proposed
Step 2: the bill is debated in one house until approved or rejected by a majority of that house
Step 3: the other house debates the bill until it is approved or rejected
Step 4: if approved the Bill goes to the President to be signed
If the President doesn’t like the bill he can Veto it
Congress can override the veto (pass the bill anyway) with a 2/3 majority vote in both houses.

6. Article 1, Section 8 Powers of Congress
Decides how to spend tax money
Raise an army and navy
Declare War
Approve treaties
Pay off debt
Grant citizenship
Establish the Federal Court system
“make all laws which shall be necessary and proper” – Elastic Clause (provided flexibility and has been used over time to expand the powers of Congress)