UNIT #2 The Legislative Branch CHAPTER #5 Congress LESSON #1 The National Legislature
UNIT #2 The Legislative Branch CHAPTER #5 Congress LESSON #1 The National Legislature.
Jan 04, 2016
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UNIT #2
The Legislative Branch
CHAPTER #5
Congress
LESSON #1
The National Legislature
-Congress is the national lawmaking body-Congress is a bicameral legislature--
meaning it has two houses-The upper house is the Senate, consisting of
100 members--two per state-The lower house is the House of
Representatives (HOR), consisting of 435 members
-The number of members in the HOR is based on the population of each state
-The Reapportionment Act of 1929 set the number of members at 435
Page 1
The Houses of CongressUNIT #2
The Legislative Branch
CHAPTER #5
Congress
LESSON #1
The National Legislature
Page 2
UNIT #2
The Legislative Branch
CHAPTER #5
Congress
LESSON #1
The National Legislature
Page 3
1990-2000
2000-2010
2010-2020
Page 4
UNIT #2
The Legislative Branch
CHAPTER #5
Congress
LESSON #1
The National Legislature
California
San Francisco Bay Area
Los Angeles Area
-Since the population of states can change, so can representation
-Seats in the HOR are reapportioned, or reassigned after the census every ten years
-When states gain or lose seats in the HOR they must redraw their districts
-Political parties in power in a state
often gerrymander, or try to draw districts lines so
that its members will win electionsPage 5
Changing DistrictsUNIT #2
The Legislative Branch
CHAPTER #5
Congress
LESSON #1
The National Legislature
-Congress meets for a term-A term begins on January 3rd of odd-
numbered years -Terms last for two years and are divided into
two one year sessions-A session is from January until November or
December-Congress recesses for holidays, vacations
and to allow members to return home to their constituents
-Members of both houses must vote to adjourn
Page 6
Congress’ ScheduleUNIT #2
The Legislative Branch
CHAPTER #5
Congress
LESSON #1
The National Legislature
-The HOR and the Senate have similar duties:
1. Pass laws2. Represent what they think is best for their
constituents3. Oversee the workings of the federal
government 4. Help their constituents solve problems
with the federal government
Page 7
Congress’ DutiesUNIT #2
The Legislative Branch
CHAPTER #5
Congress
LESSON #1
The National Legislature
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