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The Legislative Branch

Learn about the bicameral nature, Great Compromise, session details, House of Representatives, Senate, party leaders, committees, and assignments in the U.S. Congress as outlined in the Constitution. Understand the significance of how Congress is organized to govern effectively.

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The Legislative Branch

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  1. The Legislative Branch How Congress is Organized

  2. Bicameral Legislature • Conflict at Constitutional Convention • Smaller states = equal representation • Larger states = population based

  3. Bicameral Legislature • The Great Compromise • Upper House = Senate • Lower House = House of Representatives • Constitution, Article I: Congress is “the First Branch of this Government”

  4. Terms of Congress • Government calendar set by law • Each Congress lasts for a meeting period, or a term, of 2 years • Starts January 3 of odd-numbered years • Each “new” Congress given a number to identify its 2 year term ie: first Congress met in 1789, 113th Congress began Jan. 3, 2013

  5. Congressional Sessions • Each term divided into two sessions • Typical session lasts January – November, typically between 130-190 days.

  6. House of Representatives • 435 voting members • Each state allotted at least 1 representative • Allotted according to population • Adjusted after each 10-year census • Term length of Representatives = 2 years

  7. Congressional Districts • Each state is divided into one or more congressional district • Constituents • Gerrymandering • Abuse in power of districting • Increases voting power of particular group

  8. The Senate • 100 members • 2 per state • Represents entire state instead of districts • 6 year terms

  9. Leaders in Congress • Majority Party • Minority Party • Speaker of the House – guidance of house/leads debates • No speaker in Senate, but VP presides and serve as tie-breaker • President Pro Tempore – “for the time being”

  10. Congressional Committees • Standing committees • Permanent Committees • Both Senate & House • Agriculture, Commerce, Veteran’s Affairs • Select committees • Limited time, until task is completed • Intelligence • Homeland • Joint committees • Members of both houses • Economics • Taxation

  11. Committee Assignments • Seniority System • Preferred committee spots

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