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 111 th is in session now Sessions (meetings) 2 each term Jan. to Nov. or Dec.

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 2 yr terms

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

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

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

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

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

` 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