The Legislative Branch Flashcards
Roots of the Legislative Branch?
-Article 1 of the Constitution established bicameral legislature for both federal and state government (except Nebraska)
-Great Compromise
-House of Representatives and Senate
-Representative of the people in their states or regions
-Job of legislature: suggesting, forming, and passing laws
House of Representatives Qualifications?
-25 years old
-Resident of US for 7 years
-Live in state/district they represent
-2 year term by popular consent
-Currently 435 members (og was 65)
-Each state must have at least 1 representative
House of Reps Job?
-Limited authority in foreign affairs
-Impeachment: House issues articles of impeachment, senate serves as judge and jury
-Elaborate structure with strict rules
Speaker of the House? (House of Reps)
-Elected every 2 years
-Usually of majority party
-Presides over House
-Spokesperson
-Official liaison to Senate and President
-118th Congress: Mike Johnson, Republican from LA
Majority Leader? (House of Reps)
-Works closely with the Speaker
-Helps schedule legislation for the floor
-118th Congress: Steve Scalise, Republican from LA
Minority Leader? (House of Reps)
-Works closely with Speaker
-Represents goals of minority
-118th Congress: Hakeem Jefferies, Democrat from NY
Whips? (House of Reps)
Majority and Minority
-Elected by party members in party caucuses
-Keep close contact with members
-Keep members focused on party agenda/goals
-118th Congress Majority: Tom Emmer, Republican from MN
-118th Congress Minority: Katherine Clark, Democrat from MA
Senate Qualifications?
-30 years old
-Resident of US for 9 years
-Must live in state they represent
-6 year term
-Every 2 1/3 years of Senate is re-elected
-17 amendment (1913) made senators chosen by popular consent
-100 members, 2 per state
Senate Jobs?
-Must confirm many major presidential appointments
-Approves treaties
-Fewer formal rules
-Individual senators have more impact on legislation than House members
Leader of the senate?
VPOTUS is the presiding officer: only constitutional role
President pro tempore? (Senate)
-Delegated to take the place of VPOTUS when not there
-Honorary role
-Usually member of the majority party
-Senior senator
-Current is Patty Murray, Democrat from WA
Majority party leader? (Senate)
-Real power in the Senate since VPOTUS is not there on a daily basis
-Does not have as much power as the Speaker
-Current is Chuck Schumer, Democrat from NY
Minority leader? (Senate)
-Current is Mitch McConnell, Republican from KY
Majority + Minority Whips? (Senate)
Majority: Richard Durbin, Democrat from IL
Minority: John Thune, Republican from SD
Constituents? (Members of Congress)
People who he/she represents
Casework? (Members of Congress)
All tasks performed by staff to calm constituency
Incumbency? (Members of Congress)
Informal factor to keep someone in office