Congress The United States. THE NATIONAL LEGISLATURE Section 1.
-
Upload
brianne-murphy -
Category
Documents
-
view
215 -
download
1
Transcript of Congress The United States. THE NATIONAL LEGISLATURE Section 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.
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.