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)