bicameral legislature two houses upper house senate 2 members from each state lower house ...
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Bicameral LegislatureTwo houses
Upper houseSenate2 members from each state
Lower houseHouse of RepresentativesBased on population
Terms of Congress Term starts Jan. 3rd
Each odd numbered yearLasts 2 yearsEach one numbered111th is in session now
Sessions (meetings)2 each termJan. to Nov. or Dec.
House of Representatives 435 voting members Reps for each state based on populationAdjustments made every 10 yrsAfter census count
Each state has at least 1 Reps serve 2yr terms
Senate 100 members
2 from each state Represents their entire state 6 yr term
Elections are staggeredNo more than 1/3rd at a timeEnsures stability & continuity
Leaders in Congress Both houses
Majority & minority partiesEach have their own leaders
HORLeader- Speaker of the HouseLeader of the majority partyHas a lot of powerGuides legislationLeads floor debatesIn line for pres if anything happens to VP
SenateVP is leader of the SenateOnly votes to break a tie
president pro temporeActs as chairman (leader)Usually is majority party’s most senior member
Committee Work3 types of committee *see chart p.
181 Standing
Permanent Select/Special
TemporaryMeet for a limited timeDeal with special issues
JointMeeting with members of both housesSpecific issues