Legislative Branch

Ratification 9/13 states needed to approve the Constitution

Federalists in favor of ratification

Anti-federalists not in favor of ratification thought it gave too much power to the federal gov’t

Federalist Papers series of papers published to support Federalist ideas

PASSING THE CONSTITUTION

JOB

Makes the laws

It is made up of 2 Houses

Lower House

House of Representatives

435

How Many?

Leader

All members have 2 year terms

Speaker of the House

Membership• Each member represents a

district of approximately 500,000 people

Currently there is:

233 – Republicans 200 – Democrats 0 – Independents 2 – Vacancy

Western NY Representatives

Louise Slaughter

Chris Collins

Brian Higgins

http://www.the-leader.com/news/x760600135/New-Congressional-district-map-presents-challenges-to-incumbents?photo=0

Speaker of the House

• Highest ranking officer

• John Boehner (R-Ohio)

Qualifications

• Must be at least 25 years old

• Must be a U.S. citizen for 7 yrs

•Resident of the district

Duties – Powers of the House

• Bring up impeachment charges

• All revenue/money bills (proposals to become laws) start in the House

• Choose president if electoral college has no majority

Upper House

Senate

100

How Many?

Leaders

All members have 6 year terms

Membership• 100 members in the Senate• Each state has 2 Senators

1/3 elected every 2 years

Currently there is:

52 – Democrats 46 – Republicans 2 – Independents

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:2010_Senate_election_map.svg

Harry Reid (D) – Nevada• Senate Majority

Leader

• He is the Senate Minority Leader

Mitch McConnell (R) – KY

New York Senators

Kirsten Gillibrand(D)

Chuck Shumer (D)

QualificationsQualifications• Must be 30 years old

• Must be a U.S. citizen for 9 years

• Resident of the state representing

Duties

• Serve as jury for impeachment trial

• Ratify all treaties (2/3 vote)

• Approve appointments by President

Powers of Congress

• Taxation• Declare War• Commerce• Money• Credit• Post Office• International laws

Elastic Clause

• Aka: Necessary & Proper Clause “Congress can make all laws that are necessary & proper”

• Gives Congress the ability to expand, or stretch its specific powers to meet needs of a changing society