legislative branch (congress) arguably most crucial branch of u.s. government article i took up half...
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Legislative Branch (Congress)
Arguably most crucial branch of U.S. government
Article I took up half of the original Constitution (18 specific powers).
Different from any other legislative body in the world today
Article I (U.S. Constitution)First for a reason:
Founders wanted a “Congress” making laws
(independent from parties & other branches)
Congress = bicameral legislature (two parts)
Main job = to make laws
The House of Representatives
• 435 members• Directly elected by state• 2-year term (no term limits)• Speaker of the House
(leader/3rd in line for presidency)• Must be at least 25 years old• U.S. citizen for at least 7 years• Less individual prestige than Senate
The Senate• 100 members (two per state)• Directly elected by state• 6-year term (no term limits)• Must be at least 30 years old to
serve• U.S. citizen for at least 9 years• More individual prestige • VP is the President of the Senate• “President pro tempore” runs Senate
(most senior member of Senate)
Congressional CommitteesMajority party controls committees in House & Senate(this is very important)
Three kinds:• Standing committees (permanent)• Select committees • (special issue/task)• Joint committees
(both parties/specific task)