1. The National Legislature
Deep Thought: If pro is the opposite of con, then the opposite of progress would be _______________?
lol, jk, , HAHAHAHA

2. The National Legislature
Congress—most basic function is to translate public will into public policy in the form of law
Intentions were to be the “first branch” of the National Government
1st and longest Article of the Constitution
The National Legislature

3. The National Legislature
Why a Bicameral Congress?
Historical reasons- British Parliament was well known to Founding Fathers
Practical reasons- settled dispute between the Virginia and New Jersey Plans during the Constitutional Conventions
Two houses are an example of federalism
Theoretical reasons- one house would act as a check on the other
Would help control the power of Congress, which Framers thought would dominate the National Government
Some argue that the Senate is undemocratic—why?
The National Legislature

4. The National Legislature
Terms and Sessions
Each Congressional term lasts two years
Moved from March 4 to January 3 in 1933 with the 20th Amendment
A session is the period of time in which Congress meets and conducts business each year
Two sessions per term (one each year)
Both houses must agree to adjourn a session
President may call Congress into special session
Congress now meets year-round, so not likely anymore
Most often used as a threat
The National Legislature

5. The National Legislature
House
Senate
435 members
2 year terms
Smaller constituencies (elected from specific districts within states)
Requirements:
25 years old
U.S. citizen for 7 years
Live in state (district—informal)
Younger Membership
Less Prestige
Less media visibility
Strict rules, limited debate
Work done in committees, not on the floor of the House
No power over treaties and presidential appointments
100 members
6 year terms
Larger constituencies (2 elected from entire state)
Requirements:
30 years old
U.S. citizen for 9 years
Live in state
Older Membership
More Prestige
More media visibility
Flexible rules, unlimited debate
Work split evenly between committees and floor of the Senate
Approves or rejects treaties and presidential appointments
The National Legislature

6. The National Legislature
Gerrymandering—drawing district voting lines to the advantage of political party that is in power
Named after Governor Elbridge Gerry of Massachusetts
This is done in addition to the redistricting that is done decennially
Two forms known as “packing” and “cracking”
The Supreme Court has ruled that districts must be physically adjoining, but that has not stopped the practice.
The National Legislature

7. The National Legislature
Wesberry v. Sanders, 1964
“one person, one vote”
gave more populated, urban areas a larger voice than before
Today, each district contains roughly 700,000 people.
The National Legislature