The Congress

THE CONSTITUTIONThe Branches of GovernmentLegislative BranchThe legislative branch is called Congress and is made up of two Houses (parts): The House of Representatives

- The Senate.

The U.S. Capitol Building, Washington, D.CThe Executive BranchThe executive branch is headed by the president.The president is the commander-in-chief of the armed forces.

Vice PresidentCabinet (Sec. of State, etc.)

The PresidentThe president is elected to a four year term.The president can only serve two terms.The president must be a citizen by birthThe president must be at least 35 years old.

The Judicial BranchThe Judicial Branch of the federal government is headed by the Supreme Court.

There are 9 Supreme Court justices, who are appointed for life.

The Congress The legislative branch of national governmentThe House of RepresentativesIts the dynamic institution of the federal government. The states are represented on a population basis and are divided into congressionaldistricts or constituencies.The members are elected every two years.

The Speaker, is elected by the House. Should the President and Vice-President die before the end of their terms, it is the Speaker who becomes President . The SenateIts the conservative counterweight to the populist House of RepresentativeEach state has two senators who have been chosen by the electorateSenators are elected every six years, but one-third of the senate is elected every two yearsA vacancy is filled until the next congressional elections by the nominationof the State GovernorThe Senate has the special privilege of unlimited debateThe most important tasks Scrutinizing the policies and actions of the executive.Upholding the interest of states and districts.Controls the nations finances and its permanent specialist staff helps Congress consider and change the budget presented each year by the President.Separation of Power