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Legislative Branch

This overview of the U.S. Congress focuses on its legislative branch, detailing its bicameral structure consisting of the House of Representatives and the Senate. It outlines the qualifications, terms, and roles of Congress members, as well as the processes of representation and law-making. Learn about the significance of the Connecticut Compromise and the importance of population-based representation determined by the decennial census. Additionally, explore the different behavior styles of Congress members and the key office holders currently shaping U.S. legislation.

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Legislative Branch

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  1. Legislative Branch Chapter 10 - Congress

  2. The National Legislature • Article I of the Constitution • Established a bicameral legislature • Houses in the Legislative Branch • House of Representatives • Senate • Congress is bicameral because • It was like the British Parliamentary system • Early state legislatures used it • It was part of the Connecticut/Great Compromise • The framers hoped each house would check the other’s power

  3. Term of Congress • Term = 2 years • Session = 1 year

  4. The House of Representatives • The largest of the two houses • 435 members • Representation is based on population • The census every 10 years determines apportionment • Each state is guaranteed at least one representative • Elected from districts within the state • Districts are drawn by state legislatures • Districts must be drawn in accordance with the ‘one-man, one-vote rule (no gerrymandering)

  5. Representatives • Qualifications • Be at least 25 years old • Be a U.S. citizen for at least 7 years • Live in the state/district they represent • Are elected for a two-year tem and have unlimited chances for re-election

  6. Senate • Constitution • Guarantees each state two senators • Total senators is 100 • Qualifications • Must be at least 30 years old • Be a citizen for at least 9 years • Live in the state they represent • Are elected for a six-year term. Have unlimited chances for re-election

  7. Members of Congress • Congress is not a representative cross-section of the American population • Congressmen have five jobs • Legislator who makes laws • Representative for the interests of their constituents • Servant who helps their constituents • Committee member who serves on committees in Congress • Politician who tries to please everyone

  8. Congressmen adopt one of four behavior styles • Trustee – decisions are based on their best judgment • Delegate – they follow the wishes of their constituents • Partisan – they follow their political party • Politico – they try to balance all three of the above

  9. Office Holders • House of Representatives • Speaker of the House – John Boehner • Majority Party Leader – Eric Cantor • Minority Party Leader – Nancy Pelosi • 11thDistrict Representative – Phil Gingrey • Senate • Senate President – Joe Biden • Senate President Pro Tempore – Patrick Leachy • Majority Party Leader – Harry Reid • Minority Party Leader – Mitch McConnell • GA’s Senior Senator – Saxby Chambliss • GA’s Junior Senator – Johnny Isakson

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