The National Legislature

The National Legislature Chapter 10, Section 1 Mrs. Huston

This is a democracy, right? • Democracy means the people rule • You’re one of the people • Do you rule? • Not really • If you don’t, who does?

If we’re not a true democracy, what are we? • a republic

Representative Democracy • Congress is the group that rules • They make the laws • Other day-to-day government business

Congress • Their most basic function is to translate what the public wants into public policy in the form of law

So what’s the purpose of the legislative branch? • To make laws

Legislative Bodies • Different countries have different types of legislatures • Some have unicameral • Just one house • Others, like the US, have bicameral • Two houses in the legislature

Why do we have two? • Historically—Britain had two • Practically—the founders had to compromise between the large and small states • Theoretically—it fits in better with checks and balances

Terms • Each term of Congress lasts for 2 years • We then elect a new Congress • They are numbered consecutively • This year is the 112thCongress

Sessions • Each term of Congress has two sessions • Each session is one year • Congress adjourns when they decide • They are in session most of the time

Special Sessions • The President can call Congress back to deal with a specific emergency issue • Since Congress now meets most of the year, they’re very rare

Dismissing Congress • The President can dismiss Congress if the two houses cannot agree on a date for adjournment

THE END

The National Legislature