The Legislative Branch

“If you’re hanging around with nothing to do and the zoo is closed, come over to the Senate. You’ll get the same kind

of feeling and you won’t have to pay” – Bob Dole

“The First Branch of this Government”◦ James Madison

Article I of the constitution. Makes the laws of the land & national

policies!

The “Law Making Branch”

Congress makes up the Legislative Branch.

535 members

Average pay = $174,000

Our Congress is a bicameral legislature.◦ The Senate◦ The House of Representatives

The Legislative Branch

History & experience in Britain! Unicameral could lead to too much power in

one institution! Representation of states!

Why a bicameral legislature?

435 members

How are seats in the HOR proportioned?◦ On the basis of population; larger states get more seats

than smaller states.

Up for election every 2 years!

You must…◦ Be at least 25 years old. ◦ Be a US citizen for at least seven years.◦ Live in the state he or she represents.

The House of Representatives

100 members

How are senate seats proportioned?◦ Equally among all states; each state, no matter how

large or small, receives two seats in the Senate.

Up for election every 6 years!

You must…◦ Be at least 30 years old◦ Be a US citizen for at least nine years◦ Must live in the state he or she represents.

The Senate

Each term of Congress begins on January 3rd in years ending in odd numbers.

Each term is two sessions ◦ Each session lasts 1 year◦ They get holidays and vacations

Remain in session until congress votes to adjourn.

Congressional Sessions

234 Republicans & 207 Democrats Average age for representatives:

57 Average age for senators: 62 103 women serve in Congress 43 African American members 35 Latino/Hispanic members 13 Asian/Pacific Islander members 2 Native American members Occupation before serving:

Business, Education, Law, Public Service/Politics

Statistics