1. The Legislative Branch (Congress)
The Capital Building (Where Congress works and meets)

2. The Legislative Branch
Article #1 in Constitution established legislative branch
Many responsibilities, but main task is LAWMAKING
Consists of TWO houses (Bicameral)
Senate-upper house (represents state)
House of Representative (represents people)

3. Duties of Congress
Power to levy taxes, borrow money, regulate commerce, coin money, punish counterfeiting, power to punish piracies, declare war, raise and support armed forces, provide a navy, regulate armed forces, call forth militia, organize militia, naturalizing citizens, establish post offices, secure patents and copyrights, establishing courts, and governing District of Columbia. Make laws that are “necessary and proper” to carry out powers expressed in Article 1.

4. House of Representatives
House has 435 members and is based on population. (More population=More rep)
Qualifications- 25+ years old, citizen for 7+ years, and legal resident of state that puts you in.
Term- 2 year terms
Districts- state is divided into districts, 1 rep from each district (apportionment)

5. Senate 100 members (2 from each state)
Guarantee that two will be from each state
Qualifications- 30+years old, citizen for 9+years
Term- 6 year term

6. Specific Duties Special Powers of Congress The House:
All money bills must begin in the House
All impeachments begin in the House
Most House votes require only a simple majority.
The Senate:
- Approves all presidential appointments.
- By a 2/3’s vote:Approves all treaties and serves as the court in impeachments.

7. Congress Salary/Benefits
$169,300 a year
Remember Congress can set their own salaries!!! (27th Amendment)
Free stationary, mail use, medical care, and a gym
Money to pay their staff and assistants, trips home, telephones, newsletters etc, and get a big tax break for 2 homes!

8. Cool Privileges
Can not be arrested while carrying out their duty. ( except for treason, felony, breech of peace)
Can not be sued for what they say on the floor of Congress
Refuse to seat people if they have a majority vote.

9. Characteristics of Congressman
Male
Age 50+
Married
Two Kids
College Grad
Attorney
Church
Prior Political Experience
Wealthy