1. The Legislative Branch

3. The Legislative branch
Bicameral legislature?
Two houses (chambers)
The United States House of Representatives
The United States Senate

4. What does the legislative branch do?
How a bill becomes a law
House of Representatives
Committees
Senate
President

5. The Legislative Branch
Bell ringer Describe the structure of the United States congress. (hint: what is a bicameral legislature?)

6. The Legislative Branch

7. The Legislative Branch
Congressional terms
Begin Jan. 3rd, odd numbered years
Two years
Each term is divided into two sessions
Sessions last one year
Congress remains in session until they vote to adjourn
President can call special session

8. House
Senate
Number of members
Qualifications
Term of Office
435
Apportioned or divided among states based on population
25 years old
Citizen for at least 7 years
Traditionally, live in district
Every two years!!!

9. Representation and reapportionment
Census
The population of each state determines the new number of representatives which each state is entitled—a process called reapportionment

10. Redistricting Congressional districts—one for each representative
The process for setting up new district lines is called redistricting

11. Pair and share
How do you think political parties could use redistricting to their advantage!?
Gerrymandering

12. House
Senate
Number of members
Qualifications
Term of Office
435
Apportioned or divided among states based on population
2 members from each state
25 years old
Citizen for at least 7 years
Traditionally, live in district
30 years old
Citizen for 9 years
Legal resident of state
Every two years!!!
6 year terms
1/3 run for reelection every two years

13. Congress = 535 members
100 senators Representatives
There are also 4 nonvoting delegates from U.S. territories

14. Discussion question: Incumbents are members already in office If you were running for congress would you rather be an incumbent or a challenger? Why?
Easier to raise campaign funds because they have connections
Gerrymandering
Better known
Use their position to help voters
Voted them into office

15. Parking lot