CONGRESSChapter 10

CONGRESS: BICAMERAL

SENATE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

100 members 2 from each

state 6 year terms

435 members Based on

population in the states

2 year terms

REPRESENTATION IN CONGRESS-EXAMPLE

California-population 33,871,648 Senators-2 House Members-53

Wyoming-Population 493,782 Senators-2 House

Members-1

THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

TERMS

HOR works under 2 year terms. Each term has 2 sessions, 1 each year. Elections- every 2 years Off-year elections: those elections that

are held between presidential elections. The party that is not in power usually gains

the most seats (balance of power).

U.S. CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICTS

TENNESSEE CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICTS

FRANKLIN

7TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT

Representative Marsha Blackburn

Republican Blackburn’s Website

QUALIFICATIONS FOR A HOUSE MEMBER

FORMAL QUALIFICATIONS INFORMAL QUALIFICATIONS

25 years old Citizen for at least

7 years Must live in the

state that you are elected from

Party Identification Name familiarity Gender Ethnicity Political experience

(It depends on the district)

THE SENATE

CONTINUOUS BODY

The 6 year terms of the Senate are staggered.

1/3 of senators run for re-election every 2 years.

This is done so that there are always veteran Senators in Congress- not made up entirely of “Freshmen”.

QUALIFICATIONS

30 years old Citizen of the U.S. for 9 years. Must inhabit the state they are elected

from.

A CONGRESSMAN’S JOB

REPRESENTATIVE OF THE PEOPLE

Congressmen are elected to represent the people from their district/state.

Each policy must be debated and voted on by the congressman with the consideration of the constituents.

COMMITTEE MEMBERS

When congress is in session, any proposed laws must first pass through a committee before it goes up for debate on the house or senate floor.

Each congressman must serve on at least one committee. What committee(s) does Rep. Blackburn

serve on?

COMPENSATION FOR CONGRESSMEN

SALARY

Senators and Representatives are paid $150,000 a year.

(Remember…to run you have to already have a considerable amount of money on your own, so this $150,000 is not their sole income).

Some members are paid slightly more (if they hold special jobs.

NON-SALARY COMPENSATION“FRINGE BENEFITS”

Special tax deduction for those who have 2 houses, usually one in DC and one in their district/state.

Travel allowance. Very inexpensive health and life insurance. The best medical care. Generous retirement plan. Franking Privilege- allows congressmen to

mail letters postage free (cuts costs a lot).

ASSIGNMENT

You are to write a letter to your congressman (Blackburn)

It should be set up in the form that is outlined on page 276.

Voice opinions/concerns in a professional way. Must have at least 2 body paragraphs.

Address:Cadence Bank Building

198 East Main St.Suite 1

Franklin, TN 37064