1. Chapter 5 - Section 1

2. Lesson Essential Question
How does the bicameral organization of Congress represent all American people?

3. Bicameral Legislature
A lawmaking body of two houses
House of Representatives - based on population
Senate - each state is equal

4. House of Representatives
Each state gets at least one
435 members
Elections in November of even years
2 year terms
If one resigns or dies - special election called by the governor

5. Apportionment How house seats are distributed
Population decrease = less representatives
Elected by districts
Each district must be approximately equal

6. Senate 100 members - 2 from each state 6 year terms
Elections in even numbered years
1/3 elected at each time = 2/3 have some experience
Governor appoints if a vacancy

7. House Qualifications At least 25 years old
Been a citizen of the US for at least 7 years
Legal resident of the state - most also live in district also
Not required by Constitution

8. Senate Qualifications
At least 30 years old
US citizen for at least 9 years
Legal resident of the state you represent

9. Salary and Benefits Yearly salary of $174,000
Minority & Majority Leaders $193,400
Speaker $223,500
President Pro Tempore $193,400
Offices in the capital building, allowance to pay staff, free trips to home state, allowance for local district offices, stationary

10. Franking Privilege
The right to mail official letters or packages free of charge

11. Immunity
When in session, members cannot be arrested in or on their way to or from a session
Ensures they are not kept from their duties

12. Rules of Conduct
Both houses have the right to decide who will be seated as members
Supreme Court may review their actions in this regard

13. Codes of Conduct
Establish limits to the amount of outside income a member may earn
Make a full disclosure of financial holdings

14. Expulsion Person must give up his or her seat in Congress
Requires a 2/3 vote
Happens rarely

15. Censure Formal disapproval of a members actions
Must stand in front of the members and listen to the charges
Senate - 9 members
House - 22 members