1. Unit 8 Legislative Branch Chapter 5, Section 1 Congressional Membership

2. Essential Question  Why is it easier for incumbents to win reelection than it is for someone new to beat them?

3. I CAN: 1. Explain the Founding Fathers intent for the Legislative Branch 2. Define what a bicameral legislation means 3. Analyze the characteristics of the members of Congress 4. Evaluate the 5 reasons Incumbent Congressmen are reelected.

4. What does Congress Do?  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fdgU 08k-CTQ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fdgU 08k-CTQ  Facts of Congress

5. Congress and the 3 Branches  Most Important Duty of Congress: Make the Laws that govern USA

6. Founders and Congress  Founders expected Congress to be most important and powerful  Article 1 of the Constitution  Bicameral legislature- made up of two houses

7. Congressional Sessions  112 th Congress  Starts on January 3 of odd numbered year (20 th amendment)  Lasts for 2 years  Each term divided into two sessions or meetings  Congress remains is sessions until members adjourn

8. Members of Congress  535 voting members  5 delegates from DC, Guam, American Samoa, and Virgin Islands, and Northern Mariana Islands  1 resident commissioner from Puerto Rico

9. Characteristics of Members  50 % are lawyers  Average age: 50  Typically white, middle-aged males, but starting to change with culture

10. Diversity in Congress  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hQa8 QrPy7bo&feature=relmfu http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hQa8 QrPy7bo&feature=relmfu

12. Women in Congress  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pzzw wNUXnpg&feature=relmfu http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pzzw wNUXnpg&feature=relmfu

13. Members and Reelection  Incumbent- members who are already in office  Win 90% of elections

14. Reasons for Incumbent Reelection 1. Easier to raise campaign funds 2. Many districts have been gerrymandered in the incumbent’s favored 3. Have better name recognition than their opponents 4. Use position to help solve voters’ problems 5. Majority of voters believe they best represent their views

15. Why Congress Matters?  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FkPMl dX6JLI&feature=relmfu http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FkPMl dX6JLI&feature=relmfu  Facts of Congress: Why Congress Matters

16. Essential Question  Why is it easier for incumbents to win reelection than it is for someone new to beat them?