Chapter 10 Section 1

Objective: To understand the place, the role, and the structure of Congress

A. Bicameralism1. Congress consists of two houses, the House of Representatives and the Senate2. Congress has its roots in British and colonial history3. The Bicameral legislature is a reflection of federalism and was a compromise between the VA and NJ plans in 1787.4. The two houses act to check and balance each other ( founder’s intention??)

B. Term and sessions of Congress

1. A term is the length of time between elections in Congress (two years).2. Each term of Congress consists of two sessions, one during each year of a term….1st session of the 109th Congress 1/4/05.3. The president may call a special session to deal with some pressing issue…not as necessary these days…why?

Do you KNOW???

How many Senators does Maryland have? Who are they? Who do they represent? How many Congressmen does Maryland have? Who are some of them? Who do they represent?