1. Ch. 7: Congress – The Legislative Branch
Student notes 1

2. WHY A CONGRESS? “First branch” or “broke branch”
Functions: lawmaking, representation, service to constituents, oversight
Democratic experiment (republic) – reflection of citizens
People are the ultimate rulers

3. REQUIREMENTS American Bicameralism REPRESENTATIVE SENATOR
House of Representatives & Senate = CONGRESS
REPRESENTATIVE
American citizen for 7 years
25 years old
Resident of the state from which they are elected
SENATOR
American citizen for 9 years
30 years old
Resident of the state from which they are elected

4. US SENATE Members: 100 Terms: 6 years
2/state
Terms: 6 years
No term limits
Staggered seats 1/3 up for reelection
Structure: loose; nearly unlimited debate
Filibuster – prolonged speech, or series of speeches
GOALS: delay vote on a bill so it doesn’t become a law; protect minority voice
CLOTURE – 2/3 senators vote to end filibuster
Check on POTUS:
approves presidential appointments by majority vote
approves treaties by a two-thirds vote
conducts impeachment trials (2/3 convicts)

6. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Members: 435
Based on population
Terms: 2 years
No term limits
ALL up for reelection every federal election
Structure: strict
Specialties:
initiates appropriations bills
initiates impeachment (majority charges)

7. Who Serves in Congress?
Congress is becoming less white and less male, although women and ethnic minorities are still underrepresented.
Descriptive representation means that members have the same characteristics as constituents.
Substantive representation means that members of Congress will represent their constituents’ best interests.
Incumbents are elected at much higher rates than challengers. This is called the incumbency advantage.

8. CONGRESSIONAL DEMOGRAPHICS
Overwhelmingly SENATE does not reflect the population of America

9. ReAPPORTIONMENT & ReDISTRICTING
Process of allocating seats in HOR after census
ONE MAN ONE VOTE!
Redistricting –
Process of state legislatures drawing the boundary lines for the districts from which representatives will be elected
Gerrymandering –
District shape is altered by maj party in leg to maximize its electoral strength
Create safe seats

13. POWERS OF CONGRESS EXPRESSED, IMPLIED
1) Fiscal Power - levying and collecting taxes - pay our country's debts; provide for the defense; borrowing money; coining and printing currency; establish standards for weights and measures
2) Trade Regulation - regulate foreign and interstate trade
3) Military Power – Defense: establishing a military force: arming, establishment of military laws - Military power is shared with the president BUT power to declare war is granted to the Congress.
4) Other Powers – citizenship; maintain a post office; copyrights and patents; establish federal courts

14. HOR, SHARE, OR SEN???