1. Congress
Its Foundations

2. Modeled after British Parliament
Bicameral legislature: two houses
Serves as another system of checks and balances
House=435-based on population. This number is capped.
Senate=100-stated in the Constitution. Ensures equal representation.

3. Qualifications The House At least 25 years old.
Must have been a U.S. citizen for at least 7 years.
Must be a legal resident in the state in which they’re running.
2-year terms.
The Senate
At least 30 years old.
Must have been a U.S. citizen for at least 9 years.
Must be a legal resident in the state in which they’re running.
6-year terms.

4. What’s Congress look like?
Russ Carnahan

5. Our Senators
Roy Blunt
Claire McCaskill

6. Characteristics of Congress
Historically rich, white, male, and older.
Slowly but surely changing – more in the House than the Senate.
Most members have served before: incumbents.
Democrats have controlled one or both houses for the majority of the 20th Century (starting in 1933)

7. Off to find out more!