The U.S. Congress Ch.11 Flashcards
Constituents
Have a more positive view of their own members of congress
Bicameral legislature
A legislature that has two chambers
The house & senate, in the case of the U.S
How many house of representative are there & hoe many times are they up for reelection ?
435 members
Reelection every 2 years
# of senate members Years of reelection
100 members
Reelection every 6 years
What did the founding fathers envisioned congress would have ? & why?
The majority of the power at the federal level in part Bc they are the initiation that makes the laws
Qualifications for US representatives
25 years of age
Citizen for at least 7 years
Live in the state they plan on representing
Qualifications for US senate
30 years of age
Citizen for at least 9 years
Live in the state they want to represent
Views of congress
Most people can’t name their elected representatives
Society doesn’t have a positive image of congress
House
Apportioned on basis of population Fixed (since 1911) at 435 members Two year term Power to impeach federal officeholders Initiate bills raising revenue Choose president in case of electoral vote tie (article 2)
Senate
Equal representation (2) from each state
100 members
Six year terms (1/3 elected every 2 years)
Power to try federal officeholders who have been impeached
Approve treaties, cabinet level appts, & appts. The Supreme Court
Incumbent
The current holder of a particular public office
Constituents services
Act as brokers btw citizens & the imposing (often faceless federal govt)
Reasons why incumbents get reelected
Casework
Practice of finding solutions to constituent problems usually involving government agencies
Representation
The function members of congress as elected officials representing the views of their constituents
Trustee
Style of representation stressing the lawmakers own judgement in legislative decision making
