1. Aim: How can we describe the role of the legislative branch?

2. 2 Houses of Congress House of Representatives (_________ ) 435 members
(Based on state population)
2 year terms, unlimited
Over 25yrs old, 7 yr citizen, must reside in state
Constituency: citizens residing in your district
Officer: Speaker of the House
Senate
(___________)
100 members ,, 2 per state
6 years, unlimited terms
Over 30 yrs old, 9 yr citizen, reside in state
Constituency: all citizens of the state
Officer: VP of the US

4. Legislative Branch Bicameral- 2 houses Census
Total # of people that live in the state/country
Why do we do it every 10 years?
Populations change
We have to adjust the total members of Congress based on the shifting population

5. Congressional Powers Both houses can Senate only powers MAKE LAWS
Collect taxes
Declare war
Fund/support army
Post office
Elastic clause
Senate only powers
“advise and consent”
Treaties
Presidential appointments
Filibustering- (pirating)
Unlimited amount of time to talk on the floor of the Senate!!

6. How a Bill Becomes a Law!!!

7. How Congressmen can be influenced
$$$$- campaign donations
Special interest groups
Lobbyists
PAC’s
Unions
Fear of voting them out!
Call them/ show up at their office