United States Congress

The Legislative Branch

Foundations of the US Congress

• Constitutional Convention (1787)

• Virginia Plan: representation in Congress should be based on the state’s population and wealth

• New Jersey Plan: representation in Congress should be equal for all states

Organization and SizeThe Connecticut Compromise

U.S. Congress

(535 Members)

House of Representatives

(435 Members)

Senate

(100 Members)

Based on State Population2 Senators per State

New Jersey Plan

Virginia Plan

UpperLower

Bicameral

Originally Elected by the State Legislatures The People’s House

The Legislative Branch• Article I of the US Constitution

• Law Making Branch of Government

Article 1 Section 1“All legislative Powers herein granted shall be vested in a Congress of the

United States, which shall consist of a Senate and House of Representatives”

Law Making

Terms of Congress• 20th Amendment (1933): Section 2: “The Congress shall

assemble at least once in every year, and such meeting shall begin at noon on the 3d day of January, unless they shall by law appoint a different day.” (odd numbered year: Example: 2011-2013)

• Each term for Congress lasts 2 years (election every 2 years) NO TERM LIMITS

• Midterm or “Off year election”: Congress is elected but not the President

• Current Congress 113th (2013-2015)

• President may call a special session of Congress during an emergency if Congress is not in session

U.S. House of Representatives

U.S. Senate

Senate House

HouseSenate

Saxby Chambliss (GA-R) Johnny Isakson (GA-R)

U.S. Senators from Georgia

Comparing the House and SenateThe US House of Representatives

The US Senate

435 Members (Based on Population)

100 Members (Two Senators per state)

Represents the people and district Represents the entire state

Qualifications1.25 years of age or older2.US citizen for 7 years

3.Resident of the State and District

Qualifications1.30 years of age or older2.US citizen for 9 years3.Resident of the State

Serves 2 year term Serves 6 year term

No term limits No term limits

Representatives have always been elected by the People

Before the 17th Amendment, US Senators were elected by the state

legislatures