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United States Congress
The Legislative Branch
Foundations of the US Congress
• Constitutional Convention (1787)
• Virginia Plan: representation in Congress should be based on the state’s population and wealth
• New Jersey Plan: representation in Congress should be equal for all states
Organization and SizeThe Connecticut Compromise
U.S. Congress
(535 Members)
House of Representatives
(435 Members)
Senate
(100 Members)
Based on State Population2 Senators per State
New Jersey Plan
Virginia Plan
UpperLower
Bicameral
Originally Elected by the State Legislatures The People’s House
The Legislative Branch• Article I of the US Constitution
• Law Making Branch of Government
Article 1 Section 1“All legislative Powers herein granted shall be vested in a Congress of the
United States, which shall consist of a Senate and House of Representatives”
Law Making
Terms of Congress• 20th Amendment (1933): Section 2: “The Congress shall
assemble at least once in every year, and such meeting shall begin at noon on the 3d day of January, unless they shall by law appoint a different day.” (odd numbered year: Example: 2011-2013)
• Each term for Congress lasts 2 years (election every 2 years) NO TERM LIMITS
• Midterm or “Off year election”: Congress is elected but not the President
• Current Congress 113th (2013-2015)
• President may call a special session of Congress during an emergency if Congress is not in session
U.S. House of Representatives
U.S. Senate
Senate House
HouseSenate
Saxby Chambliss (GA-R) Johnny Isakson (GA-R)
U.S. Senators from Georgia
Comparing the House and SenateThe US House of Representatives
The US Senate
435 Members (Based on Population)
100 Members (Two Senators per state)
Represents the people and district Represents the entire state
Qualifications1.25 years of age or older2.US citizen for 7 years
3.Resident of the State and District
Qualifications1.30 years of age or older2.US citizen for 9 years3.Resident of the State
Serves 2 year term Serves 6 year term
No term limits No term limits
Representatives have always been elected by the People
Before the 17th Amendment, US Senators were elected by the state
legislatures