The Law-Making BranchThe Legislative Branch

Focus Question:

•How does a system of checks and balances work?

Format of the Constitution

•Divided into three parts▫The Preamble▫Seven Articles▫Twenty Seven Amendments

•Drafted in Philadelphia in 1787

The Legislative Branch

•Congress•Outlined in Article I•Responsible for making the

laws•Given broad responsibility•Most described branch of

government

Bicameral Legislature

•Congress divided into two chambers▫House of Representatives▫Senate

•Both serve to make laws•Check on one another

House of Representatives

•Proportional Representation▫435 members

•Serve a two-year term•Must be:

▫25 years old▫Citizen for 7 years▫Live in State represented

House of Representatives (II)

•Led by the Speaker of the House•Starts all money bills•Initiates Impeachment Process

The Senate

•Equal Representation▫100 members

•Serve a six-year term▫One-third up for election

every two years•Must be:

▫30 years old▫Citizen for 9 years▫Live in State represented

The Senate (II)

•Led by the Vice President (President of the Senate)

•Responsible for foreign affairs•Approve treaties•Approve presidential appointments•Serve as a jury for impeachment cases•Has a filibuster rule

Powers denied Congress

•Cannot pass:•Ex Post Facto laws

(actions illegal after committed)•Bills of Attainder

(Punishment without trial)•Cannot suspend habeas corpus

(Defendants must be charged)

Assignment• Read “What Are Congress’s Constitutional

Powers” We the People, pp. 146-47.• Complete the Critical Thinking Exercise,

answering questions in complete sentences:1. How would you define “necessary” and

“proper”?2. What are the benefits and dangers of the

“necessary and proper” clause, otherwise called the “elastic clause”?

Summary

•What more would you like to know about the Legislative Branch? Why would you want to learn this about it?