1. Unit 3 We the People Article III: US Congress The Legislative Branch Federal Level

2. Article I Outlines the structure, responsibilities, & powers (& their limits) of the legislative branch at the federal level. Lists the EXPRESSED powers of the federal government

3. BICAMERAL: Why 2 houses? Which Compromise set up the U.S. Congress? What principle is used when we have a bicameral legislature?

4. Terms of Congress last 2 years Yearly terms from Jan 3 to Jan 3 Senate President: Joe Biden (D) Senate Pres. pro tem: Leahy Patrick (D) House Speaker: John Boehner (R) Members: 100 Senators435 Representatives Senate Majority: Democratic Party House Majority: Republican Party

5. Both the House & the Senate can… Regulate interstate trade To borrow money Coin & print money Declare war Franking Privileges: free postage (stamps) Create post offices Set naturalizations rules Monitor & regulate copyrights & patents Create federal courts below the Supreme Court Make all laws necessary & proper

6. Declare War Only Congress can make a formal declaration of war! President asks Congress to declare war or Invoke the WAR POWERS ACT Troops can only remain actively for 60 days unless a Congressional approval is made

7. Franking Privileges The ability to send mail free (without postage) to constituents Constituents: the people from their state/district

8. Vetoes/Overriding Vetoes Veto: a way for the president to stop a bill from becoming a law Overriding Veto: needs 2/3 of Congress as a whole to override a presidential veto What Constitutional principle is this?

9. PRIVILEGES: immunities Protection from arrest while serving in Congress (Only in civil offenses) Speech & Debate immunity: to protect the freedom of legislative debate. Includes floor debate, committee work, other work generally related to congressional business NOT Press Conferences, newsletter, etc.

10. Proposing Constitutional Amendments 2/3 rd of Congress (2/3 of each house) has to vote yes to propose the amendment 3/4 of the states must vote yes to ratify