Legislative Branch (Congress) Arguably most crucial branch of U.S. government Article I took up half of the original Constitution (18 specific powers). Different from any other legislative body in the world today
Jan 05, 2016
Legislative Branch (Congress)
Arguably most crucial branch of U.S. government
Article I took up half of the original Constitution (18 specific powers).
Different from any other legislative body in the world today
Article I (U.S. Constitution)First for a reason:
Founders wanted a “Congress” making laws
(independent from parties & other branches)
Congress = bicameral legislature (two parts)
Main job = to make laws
The House of Representatives
• 435 members• Directly elected by state• 2-year term (no term limits)• Speaker of the House
(leader/3rd in line for presidency)• Must be at least 25 years old• U.S. citizen for at least 7 years• Less individual prestige than Senate
The Senate• 100 members (two per state)• Directly elected by state• 6-year term (no term limits)• Must be at least 30 years old to
serve• U.S. citizen for at least 9 years• More individual prestige • VP is the President of the Senate• “President pro tempore” runs Senate
(most senior member of Senate)
Congressional CommitteesMajority party controls committees in House & Senate(this is very important)
Three kinds:• Standing committees (permanent)• Select committees • (special issue/task)• Joint committees
(both parties/specific task)