1. The Legislative Branch of Government Diana L. Drew Civics & Economics 2005

2. NCSCOS 2.02 Explain how the United States Constitution defines the framework, organization and structure of the three branches of government at the national level.

3. Our Daily Objective SWBAT identify their National government leaders. SWBAT describe the Legislative branch of government.

4. Legislative Branch Article I The Basics THE CONGRESS (bicameral) House of Representatives − (435 members) The Senate − (100 members)

5. The House of Representatives Congressional Apportionment 1)A census is taken every ten years. The number of seats in the house each state receives can change. 2)Every state is given at least 1 representative in the House. General information 1)Each representative serves two years. 2)Congressional terms last two years starting in odd years—2005=109 th congress 3)They represent their districts not necessarily the whole state.

6. The House of Representatives cont… Term=2 years Requirements Age 25 Resident of the state the represent Citizen for 7 years

7. Congressional Apportionment

8. State Districting  Each state divides its state into congressional districts. NC has 13 districts. Pasquotank County is in district 1.  The people in each district are called constituents.  Gerrymandering is the process of drawing districts to ensure the strength of political parties.

9. North Carolina Congressional Districts

10. The Senate 100 Senators 2 Senators for each state 6 Year Terms Every two years 1/3 of the Senate is up for reelection

11. The Senate Term=6 years Requirements Age 30 Resident of the state the represent Citizen for 9 years

12. Leadership of Congress Leadership can change from election to election. Both the Senate and House have Party Leadership. Usually Democrat and Republican Parties Majority Party—is the party who currently has more members in congress. Minority Party—is the part who currently has the least amount members in congress.

13. Leadership cont… Democrat and Republican Whips 1) Maintain party discipline 2) Conduct polls 3) Keep tract of votes 4) Mostly involved in communication of their party

14. Leadership cont… House Speaker of the House Senate President of the Senate =always the Vice President President Pro Tempore of the Senate

15. Committee System 4 Types of Committees 1)Standing Committees Senate 17---House—19 2)Select Committees—Special limited time 3)Joint Committees—4 Economic—Federal Tax Policy— Library of Congress—Government Printing Office 4)Conference Committee—temporary

16. Standing Committees House Agriculture Appropriations Armed services Budget Education & the Workforce Energy & Commerce Financial Services Government Reform House Administration International Relations Judiciary Resources Rules Science Small Business Standards of Official Conduct Transportation and Infrastructure Veterans Affairs Ways and Means Senate Agriculture, Nutrition & Forestry Appropriations Armed Services Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Budget Commerce, Science and Transportation Energy and Natural Resources Environment an dPublic Works Finance Foreign Relations Governmental Affairs Health, Education, Labor & Pensions Indian Affairs Judiciary Rules an Administration Small Business and Entrepreneurship Veterans Affairs

17. Seniority System Senators Classes—every two years senators are elected and become part of a “Class” much like high school freshman— Senior and Junior Senators. Committee Chairpersons Usually the person with the most seniority whose party is in the majority.

18. Powers of Congress Tax Borrow Money Naturalization & immigration laws Make money Post Office Promote Science— Authors-Arts Tribunals Declare War Make Laws Maintain Army & Navy Discipline the Army & Navy Appoint Officers of the Army & Navy Make rules for government Every thing Necessary and Proper