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This chapter provides an in-depth overview of how Congress is organized and operates. It covers the bicameral structure of Congress, detailing the House of Representatives and the Senate, including their membership, terms, and leadership roles. The significance of the census in shaping congressional districts and the concept of gerrymandering are examined, alongside the functions of various committees. Key leaders and their responsibilities, including the Speaker of the House and the Senate's Vice President, are also discussed, providing a comprehensive view of legislative operations.
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How Congress is Organized Ch 4 sec 1
Our Legislature: Congress • Make Laws • Bicameral: 2 Houses • House of Representatives: based on population, 435 total • Senate: 2 Per State: 100 Total
Congressional Term • How long they meet • 2 years • Each term is numbered, currently in 111th term • Special Sessions: for crisis like times of war • Joint Sessions: House and Senate meet together.
House of Representatives • Based on Population • Census: every 10 years, determines population • Congressional Districts • Constituents: People who live in the district • Drawn by the state Legislature • Gerrymander: Drawing districts odd shaped to get a particular vote
House leaders • Majority party Leader: party with the most members elect a leader • Minority Party Leader: Party with the fewest members elect leader • Party Whip: pressures party member to vote with party
Speaker of the house • Elected by Majority Party • Overall leader of Congress • Controls debates on House Floor • 3rd in Line to become President
The Senate • Senate serves 6 year terms • Only 1/3 up for reelection at one time • Senate leaders • Vice President: Leader of the Senate • Votes when there is a tie • Majority party and Minority Party leader: • President Pro-Tempore • Majority Party elects in the senate • 4th in line to become president
North Carolina’s Senators Richard Burr Kay Hagan
CommitteeWork • Break up the work load • 3 types of Committees • Standing Committees: Permanent Committees • Agriculture, Commerce, Veteran • Select Committees: meet on special issues • Joint Committees: made up of the house and senate
Committee Assignments • Congressman to please constituents • Seniority: is used to determine who gets which spots • Chair person most expeirienced.