Unit 8Legislative

BranchChapter 5, Section 1Congressional Membership

Essential Question Why is it easier for

incumbents to win reelection than it is for someone new to beat them?

I CAN:1. Explain the Founding Fathers intent for

the Legislative Branch2. Define what a bicameral legislation

means3. Analyze the characteristics of the

members of Congress4. Evaluate the 5 reasons Incumbent

Congressmen are reelected.

What does Congress Do? http://www.youtube.com/watch?

v=fdgU08k-CTQ Facts of Congress

Congress and the 3 Branches

Most Important Duty of Congress: Make the Laws that govern USA

Founders and Congress

Founders expected Congress to be most important and powerful

Article 1 of the Constitution

Bicameral legislature- made up of two houses

Congressional Sessions 112th Congress Starts on January

3 of odd numbered year (20th amendment)

Lasts for 2 years Each term divided

into two sessions or meetings

Congress remains is sessions until members adjourn

Members of Congress 535 voting members 5 delegates from

DC, Guam, American Samoa, and Virgin Islands, and Northern Mariana Islands

1 resident commissioner from Puerto Rico

Characteristics of Members

50 % are lawyersAverage age: 50Typically white,

middle-aged males, but starting to change with culture

Diversity in Congress http://www.youtube.com/watch?

v=hQa8QrPy7bo&feature=relmfu

Women in Congress http://www.youtube.com/watch?

v=PzzwwNUXnpg&feature=relmfu

Members and Reelection

Incumbent- members who are already in office

Win 90% of elections

Reasons for Incumbent Reelection1. Easier to raise campaign funds2. Many districts have been

gerrymandered in the incumbent’s favored

3. Have better name recognition than their opponents

4. Use position to help solve voters’ problems

5. Majority of voters believe they best represent their views

Why Congress Matters? http://www.youtube.com/watch?

v=FkPMldX6JLI&feature=relmfu Facts of Congress: Why Congress

Matters

Essential Question Why is it easier for

incumbents to win reelection than it is for someone new to beat them?