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The National Legislature

Learn about the National Legislature in America, the bicameral system of Congress, the roles of the House of Representatives and the Senate, terms and sessions of Congress, qualifications for members, duties of congressmen, and their compensation and privileges. Get insights into the legislative process and the unique characteristics of the American government.

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The National Legislature

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  1. American Government The National Legislature

  2. Bicameralism • Congress consist of two houses – The House of Representatives and the Senate. • House is based on a states population • Senate is equal…each state gets two

  3. Terms and Sessions of Congress • A term is the length of time between elections in Congress (Two years) • Each term consist of two sessions, one during each year of a term • The President may call a special session to deal with some pressing issue

  4. The House of Representatives • There are 435 members of the House • Representatives hold office for 2 years and can hold office for as many times as they are elected • House members must be at least 25 years old • Must have been a citizen for 7 years • Must live in the state they represent

  5. The Senate • The Senate consist of 100 members, 2 from each state • Senators serve 6 year terms that are staggered, so only 1/3 are up for election every two years • Must be 30 years old • Must have been a citizen for 9 years • Must be an inhabitant of the state they represent

  6. Members of Congress • Average member of Congress is White male in his mid 50’s. • Most members are married, have children, are Christian and their jobs are usually lawyers, business, education or are professional politicians

  7. Duties of Congressman • They act as legislators, committee members, representatives of their constituents and politicians. • Partisan – loyalty to their political party and vote on issues according to party platform

  8. Compensation and Privileges • Salary is $133,600 per year • Receive low-cost medical care • Congress sets their own pay, but the president can veto their salary and they have to worry about voter backlash • May not be arrested for misdemeanors while Congress in session and are immune from being sued over speeches they make in Congress.

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