Download presentation
Presentation is loading. Please wait.
Published byCathleen Anderson Modified over 8 years ago
1
United States Government and Politics CONGRESS
2
A Brief Review THE FORMATION OF CONGRESS
3
Constitutional Convention Two Plans: Virginia Plan and New Jersey Plan Compromise: Connecticut FORMATION OF CONGRESS
4
Bicameral Legislature House of Representatives Each state’s representation is based on population Senate Each state is represented by two senators SET-UP OF CONGRESS
5
THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
6
435 members Constitution does not fix the number of representatives House seats must be assigned among the states based on population Each state is guaranteed one member regardless of size THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
7
Set in the Constitution 25 years old Citizen of the United States for at least 7 years Legal resident of the state from which he/she is elected Traditionally representatives live in the district they represent QUALIFICATIONS
8
Two year terms Every two years all 435 members are up for re-election House is reorganized every two years 90% of representatives are re-elected which allows for continuity If a representative resigns or dies before his/her term is complete, the governor of his/her state appoints a temporary replacement until a special election can be called TERMS OF OFFICE
9
Representation is determined by the Census (population count completed every ten years) Population of each state determines reapportionment House originally had 64 members – as the population of the country grew, Congress voted to increase membership in the House 1929: Reapportionment Act of 1929 – limited House to 435 seats to be divided among the 50 states After reapportionment comes redistricting – State Legislatures determine congressional districts Abuses of redistricting power: Unequal representation Gerrymandering REPRESENTATION AND REAPPORTIONMENT
10
THE SENATE
11
Constitution provides for two senators from each state 100 members (two from each of fifty states) Equal representation THE SENATE
12
30 years old Citizens of the United States for nine years Legal residents of the state which he/she represents QUALIFICATIONS
13
Senators serve six year terms Only 1/3 of senators run for re-election every two years Founding Fathers planned for continuity in the Senate Continuity is greater than originally planned because many Senators are re-elected If a senator resigns or dies before end of his/her term then the state legislature may give the governor permission to appoint someone to fulfill the rest of the term OR the governor may decide to hold a special election to the fill the spot TERMS OF OFFICE
Similar presentations
© 2025 SlidePlayer.com. Inc.
All rights reserved.