Congress

Legislative Branch

• A. Bicameral Legislature– Several “plans” led to the current system

based on population and membership

House of Reps• 435 members-determined by population

– Number can’t change• Number from state CAN change by census and

apportionment

• Term of office-2 yrs.– Shortest in government– Should be closest to people

• With historical 95% retention rate, is this true?

• Districts within a state– Difference in political priorities?

• Rural vs. Urban• Democrat vs. Republican

• Redistricting– Should be along population lines

• Gerrymandering-shaping districts to suit party• Urban pie

Senate

• 100 members-2 per state– All states equal– Term of office-6 yrs.

• Longest of any elected official• Should take the long term view and not be as

responsive to political whims• Like the House-salary over $174,000• Pension determined by years of service, must

serve at least 5 yrs. to qualify