The Legislative Branch Notes Legislative Powers Powers designated
The Legislative Branch Notes
Legislative Powers: Powers designated solely to Congress Lay and collect taxes Establish post offices Borrow money Raise and support the Armed Forces Regulate Commerce Make rules for U. S. territories Coin Money Admit States to the Union Declare War Make new laws to carry out other powers
§The Legislative Branch includes a bicameral congress: §Senate §House of Representatives
• In 1922, the Congress passed a law which maximized the House of Representatives at 435. • First House of Representatives each member represented 50, 000 citizens. • Today in the House, each member represents about 550, 000 citizens. The House of Representatives
Powers of the House of Representatives These powers are delegated solely to the House: 1. Originates all bills to raise money 2. The power to impeach (accuse) U. S. officials
The Senate • Each state sends two senators to the U. S. Senate for a total of 100 senators. • The “Senate” is seen as the more prestigious house of congress and is often called the “upper house. ”
Powers of the U. S. Senate These powers are delegated solely to the Senate: 1. Approve or reject treaties 2. Approve or reject presidential appointments 3. Try accused U. S. officials
QUALIFICATIONS OF A CONGRESSPERSON AGE REPRESENTATIVE SENATOR 25 years 30 years CITIZENSHIP 7 years U. S. resident 9 years U. S. resident RESIDENCE From state elected 2 years From state elected 6 years From Congressional Districts 435 From the entire states population 100 TERM ELECTED MEMBERS
Apportionment: Process by which representation is determined. CENSUS: • Taken every 10 years: • U. S. population • Measures population shifts • Each state sets up congressional districts. • Supreme Court ruled that districts must be relatively close in population.
State of Oregon – U. S. Congressional Districts Electing House of Representatives
- Slides: 10