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Ch. 6.1 how Congress is Organized

Ch. 6.1 how Congress is Organized. Bicameral Legislature Two houses Upper house Senate 2 members from each state Lower house House of Representatives Based on population. Terms of Congress Term starts Jan. 3 rd Each odd numbered year Lasts 2 years Each one numbered

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Ch. 6.1 how Congress is Organized

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  1. Ch. 6.1how Congress is Organized

  2. Bicameral Legislature • Two houses • Upper house • Senate • 2 members from each state • Lower house • House of Representatives • Based on population

  3. Terms of Congress • Term starts Jan. 3rd • Each odd numbered year • Lasts 2 years • Each one numbered • 111th is in session now • Sessions (meetings) • 2 each term • Jan. to Nov. or Dec.

  4. House of Representatives • 435 voting members • Reps for each state based on population • Adjustments made every 10 yrs • After census count • Each state has at least 1 • Reps serve 2yr terms

  5. Districts • Each state is divided up by their legislators • Something like counties • Each district has to have same population • Sometimes districts are drawn oddly • Gerrymandering

  6. Senate • 100 members • 2 from each state • Represents their entire state • 6 yr term • Elections are staggered • No more than 1/3rd at a time • Ensures stability & continuity

  7. Leaders in Congress • Both houses • Majority & minority parties • Each have their own leaders • HOR • Leader- Speaker of the House • Leader of the majority party • Has a lot of power • Guides legislation • Leads floor debates • In line for pres if anything happens to VP

  8. Senate • VP is leader of the Senate • Only votes to break a tie • president pro tempore • Acts as chairman (leader) • Usually is majority party’s most senior member

  9. Committee Work • 3 types of committee *see chart p. 181 • Standing • Permanent • Select/Special • Temporary • Meet for a limited time • Deal with special issues • Joint • Meeting with members of both houses • Specific issues

  10. ` • Committee Assignments • Congressmen want important positions • Rep from farm country will want to be on an ag. Committee • Party leaders make assignments • Usually based on seniority • Longest serving member usually is chairperson • Pros: prevents fights over positions • Cons: talent may be overlooked

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