1. “If you’re hanging around with nothing to do and the zoo is closed, come over to the Senate. You’ll get the same kind of feeling and you won’t have to pay” – Bob Dole

2.  “The First Branch of this Government” ◦ James Madison  Article I of the constitution.  Makes the laws of the land & national policies!

3.  Congress makes up the Legislative Branch.  535 members  Average pay = $174,000  Our Congress is a bicameral legislature. ◦ The Senate ◦ The House of Representatives

4.  History & experience in Britain!  Unicameral could lead to too much power in one institution!  Representation of states!

5.  435 members  How are seats in the HOR proportioned? ◦ On the basis of population; larger states get more seats than smaller states.  Up for election every 2 years!  You must… ◦ Be at least 25 years old. ◦ Be a US citizen for at least seven years. ◦ Live in the state he or she represents.

6.  100 members  How are senate seats proportioned? ◦ Equally among all states; each state, no matter how large or small, receives two seats in the Senate.  Up for election every 6 years!  You must… ◦ Be at least 30 years old ◦ Be a US citizen for at least nine years ◦ Must live in the state he or she represents.

7.  Each term of Congress begins on January 3 rd in years ending in odd numbers.  Each term is two sessions ◦ Each session lasts 1 year ◦ They get holidays and vacations  Remain in session until congress votes to adjourn.

8.  234 Republicans & 207 Democrats  Average age for representatives: 57  Average age for senators: 62  103 women serve in Congress  43 African American members  35 Latino/Hispanic members  13 Asian/Pacific Islander members  2 Native American members  Occupation before serving: Business, Education, Law, Public Service/Politics