1. The Constitution
Article I : Congress

2. Composition of Congress
Congress has two houses (bicameral legislature):
The House of Representatives
The Senate
For a bill to become law, it must pass BOTH houses
Main job of Congress  MAKE LAWS!

3. Article I Facts
Bills to spend money, raise money, borrow money MUST ARISE IN THE HOUSE Congress can override a Presidential veto by 2/3 majority vote in each house

4. Article I Facts Article 1, Sec. 8 lists the powers of Congress:
The power to declare war
The power to coin money
Set up post offices
Regulate (control) interstate commerce
Etc.
Article 1, Section 8, Clause 18: The “Elastic Clause”, or the “Necessary and Proper Clause”

5. Powers Forbidden to Congress
Can’t make a bill of attainder
Act that declares someone guilty & assesses punishment w/o providing opportunity for trial
Can’t grant titles of nobility
No Knights, Dukes, Duchesses, etc.

6. Powers Forbidden to Congress
Can’t pass ex post facto law
Can’t pass law TODAY to criminalize an action committed YESTERDAY
Can’t suspend writ of habeas corpus
Gov’t can’t hold you indefinitely w/o showing cause (except in instances of “rebellion or invasion”)

7. The House of Representatives
435 members
# is fixed by law
Number in each state depends on population of state
Each state must have at least 1 rep
Must be 25 years old; 7 years as a U.S. resident
Elected for a 2 year term
Leader is Speaker of the House
Power to impeach given to House
Impeach: to charge the president w/ high crimes or misdemeanors

8. 194 Democrats
240 Republicans

9. The Senate Elected for 6 year term
Elections staggered (~33 senators elected every 2 years)
2 Senators per state
Therefore, 100 is not a fixed number
# of states can change
Must be 30 years old; live in U.S. for 9+ years
Headed by the Vice President
Only votes in case of ties (not technically a Senator)
When absent, Senate run by President Pro Tempore

10. 44 Democrats
54 Republicans

11. Senate Elections Example
2016
2018
2020
2022
2024
2026 A E I B F J C G K D H L
Senators Up for Reelection

12. Special Senate Duties
Approves or disproves treaties w/ other countries (2/3 needed)
Approves or disproves presidential appointments
Acts as jury in impeachment cases
Can convict
Filibuster