Federal Government Original Capital Building The Apotheosis of

Federal Government

Original Capital Building

The Apotheosis of Washington

Congress n Bicameral – House of Representatives – Senate n Most powerful branch of govt. n Initiates and approves all laws

Congressional Powers n Impeachment n Power of the Purse n Power to declare war n Power to regulate interstate Commerce n Confirm presidential appointments n Ratify treaties

Congressional Sessions n Each term is divided into 2 sessions, beginning in January of odd-numbered years

115 th Congress Senate 52 Rep. 46 Dem. 2 Ind. HOR 238 Rep. 193 Dem. 4 Vacant

House of Representatives n Membership Ø 435 Members ØNumber of seats is apportioned among the states based on population

Qualifications n 25 yrs. old n US citizen for 7 yrs. n Live in the district they represent

Term of Office n 2 yr. terms n Election in November of evennumbered years

Magnolia

Representation and Reapportionment n Census Bureau conducts a census, population count, every 10 yrs. n Reapportionment: when a new census changes the number of reps. a state is entitled to n Redistricting: process of setting up new district lines after reapportionment has been completed

Abuses of Redistricting n Gerrymandering: When a political party controlling the state govt. draws a district’s boundaries to gain an advantage in elections

The Senate n Membership Ø 2 Senators from each state

Qualifications n 30 yrs. old n US citizen for 9 yrs. n Legal resident of the state they represent n Elected atlarge Østate wide

Term of Office n Election in November of evennumbered years n 6 Yr. terms n Only 1/3 of senators can run for reelection

Reelection n Incumbents: those members already in office 90% reelection rate Ø Easier to raise funds Ø District gerrymandered to their favor Ø Better known to voters Ø Easily solve the voters’ problems Ø Franking privilege: free postage Ø