1. Legislative Branch

2. Legislative Branch Purpose- create laws
Powers stated in Article 1 in Constitution
What are the powers called that are designed JUST for the federal government?

3. How is Congress Organized
The Great Compromise
Congress = House of Representatives & Senate
(VA plan) (N.J plan)
Bicameralism = TWO parts
Each term of Congress lasts TWO years
112th began Jan 3rd 2011

4. Senate (Upper House) 100 Members (2 from each State)
Senators serve 6year terms
Elections are staggered to create stability

5. The Legislative Branch Organization
Article I of the U.S. Constitution Bicameral Legislature (2 houses) 1. Upper House- Senate 2. Lower House- House of Representatives

6. The Legislative Branch Organization
Vice president presides over Senate
Only votes to break a tie
President Pro tempore “for time being”
Usually acts as chairperson
Article I of the U.S. Constitution Bicameral Legislature (2 houses) 1. Upper House- Senate
Total

7. The Legislative Branch Organization
Speaker of the House
Majority party Leader
Steers Legislation
Leads floor debate
Article I of the U.S. Constitution Bicameral Legislature (2 houses) 2. Lower House- House of Representatives
Total
Census Data Used to Calculate this

8. State Representatives From Michigan (14 Total) This is why the census is a BIG DEAL!!!

9. Altogether 535 seats in congress (both Senate & House) 112th U. S
Altogether 535 seats in congress (both Senate & House) 112th U.S. Congress ( ) -2 Sessions per term (usually Jan-Nov) -Joint Sessions (Senate & House meet together)- Usually in times of crisis

10. Districting & Gerrymandering
Gerrymandering- To divide (a geographic area) into voting districts so as to give unfair advantage to one party in elections.
Courtesy of

11. House of Representatives
Each member is elected to represent a select district.
Problem- Gerrymandering
Creating oddly shaped districts designed
to increase the voting strength of a
particular group

12. House of Representatives
Gerrymandering

13. Is This really political Representation?

15. Committee Work
In order handle the large work load of creating laws each congressional house has created committees.
These committees are formed with select individuals who have specific experience or interests in the topic of the committee.

17. Committee Work 3 types Standing committee- permanent
Ex. Agricultural , foreign affairs, economic
Select – individual purpose
Joint – include members from both houses

20. Legislative Powers
Most of the powers delegated to Congress are Expressed Powers- powers clearly listed in the Constitution

21. Legislative Powers They also have Implied Powers
- these are powers that are “Necessary and Proper” to carry out the expressed powers
Article 1, Section 8.
AKA- the Elastic Clause because it allow Congress to “stretch” its powers to meet the new needs.

23. Legislative Powers
Most of the Congress’s powers are related to making laws, raising and spending money, regulating commerce, and dealing with foreign countries

24. Checks and Balances Impeachment
To formally bring charges against a public official.
In a Impeachment trial,
-The House has a Majority vote to Prosecute
-The Senate becomes the jury
-The Speaker of the House is the Judge

25. Checks and Balances
Senate has the power to approve or reject the presidents nominees for various offices
Supreme Court justices, Federal Judges and ambassadors

26. Many of the limits of Congress are set
Limitations of Powers
Many of the limits of Congress are set
by the Bill of Rights.
Protects congress from limiting
freedom of speech
Favoring one state
Individuals legal rights
Interfere with States reserved powers

28. BQ 5 What are the 2 types of powers listed in the U.S. Constitution?
What is Article 1, Section 8, Clause 18?
To formally bring charges against a public official is called what?

29. 6.3 Representing the People

30. The Basic job of Senators and Representatives is to represent the people of their states and districts

31. Qualifications and Privileges
Senate 30
Live in the state you represent
U.S citizen for 9years
House 25
Live in the state you represent
U.S citizen for 7 years
Both receive a salary of $165, 000, low cost life insurance, free office space and trips to their home states

32. Congress at Work 3 main responsibilities Law making
Writing Bills that reflect the interests of your constitutes

33. Congress at Work 3 main responsibilities 2. Casework
- The work that a lawmakers does to help constituents with a problem
* Helps keep legislators accountable and aware of the people they are hired to represent

34. Congress at Work 3 main responsibilities
3. Helping the District or State
Get money for Public Works funds
Grants and Contracts
Pork Barrel projects : programs and grants that primary benefit the home district or state

35. $10,000 Pyramid!!! Winners eat well! Rules
You can say anything you want to get your partner to say the clue.
You can use your notes
When you get the correct response raise your hand
Winners eat well!

36. Term of office for a U.S. Senator
Example
Answer is…
Term of office for a U.S. Senator

37. Answer is…
IMPEACHMENT

38. Answer is…
CENSUS

39. Answer is…
100

40. Answer is…
Select Committee

41. Answer is…
435

42. Answer is…
Bicameral

43. Answer is…
Standing Committee

44. Answer is…
535

45. Answer is…
Joint Committee