Structure of Congress AP US Government Congress

Structure of Congress AP US Government

Congress versus Parliament • • • Run as individuals in party primary Members are loyal to constituents Congressional voting is independent of the President Daily work takes place in committees Members have many benefits & perks, perks good pay Members have large staffs • Both are legislatures • Both are bicameral • Lower houses elected by districts • Lower houses are the larger bodies • The Party chooses who runs for seats • Members are loyal to party • Voting is based on support of PM agenda, choose PM • Daily work is in debates • Have few perks, low pay • Members have few to no staff

Congressional Organizer Leader Size # based on state population by the Census every 10 years. The 435 seats are reapportioned. All 435 elected each term by district. Some state’s districts have gerrymanders Speaker of the House chosen by majority party. Paul Ryan is current Speaker (R) Term Serve 2 -yr termsno limit on times Unique Powers: All Appropriation bill start in HOR. Have impeachment power. Qualifications Must be 25, 7 -yr. Citizen & State resident. Leader The Vice President is President of the Senate. Joe Biden is current leader (D). The Pro Tempore takes over usually. Size Each state has 2 Senators, for a total of 100. 1/3 elected every 2 years. The 17 th Amendment allows for election of Senators. Term Serve 6 -yr terms. Unique Powers: no limit on times Must approve Presidential appointments. 2/3 must approve Presidential treaties. Holds impeachment trials. Qualifications Must be 30, 9 -yr. Citizen & State resident.

Notes on Congress • Congress is established as the “first branch” of gov’t by Art. I of Const. • This is the 114 th Congress, 2 nd session. • Term is a 2 -year meeting of Congress. • There are 2 sessions per term. • Congress meets on Capitol Hill in the Capitol Building.