Congress The United States. THE NATIONAL LEGISLATURE Section 1.

CongressCongress

The United StatesThe United States

THE NATIONAL LEGISLATURESection 1

The Constitution

• Congress is outlined in Article 1 of the U.S. Constitution.

• Two House Legislature– Upper House: Senate– Lower House: House of Representatives

• Reasons for two houses:– Historical– Practical– Theoretical

Terms and Sessions

• Each term of Congress lasts for 2 years.– Currently the 113th Congress (As of Jan 3rd, 2013)

• Each session lasts for 1 year.– There are two sessions in each term of Congress.

• Congress convenes its new session on Jan 3rd unless otherwise stipulated by law.

• Congress typically adjourns near mid December.– Both houses must agree to adjourn to end a session.

• However, Congress often goes into recess.

Freshman Lawmakers of The House of Representatives Reporting to Capitol Hill 2012

Swearing in of The House of Representatives of the 113th Congress.

John Boehner Re-Elected as Speaker of The House of Representatives - 2012

Special Sessions

• The President may call Congress into a special session. – Usually called for an emergency situation.• Has only happened 27 times.• Most recent was called in 1948.

• Houses can be called together or individually.• Since Congress meets nearly year-round, it

has become less relevant.