U3 P1 Flashcards
The House of Representatives - Requirements to serve
1) at least 25 yrs. old
2) must be a legal resident in state they represent
3) must have lived in the U.S. at least 7 years.
The House of Representatives - Elections
all 435 members serve two-year terms; elected every two years.
The House of Representatives - Redistricting
Based on the census (done every 10 yrs.), House seats are apportioned based on relative population (at least 1/state) and new legislative districts are drawn. The voters in each district elect one Representative.
The Senate - Requirements to serve
1) at least 30 yrs. old
2) must be a legal resident in state they represent
3) must have lived in the U.S. at least 9 years.
The Senate - Elections
the 100 members serve six-year terms; 1/3 are elected every 2 yrs
The Senate - C
All states have two Senators each. State legislatures selected Senators until the 17th Amendment changed the method to a statewide popular vote.
The Powers of Congress (Article I, Section 8) - A
Both houses of Congress vote on bills (proposed laws)
The Powers of Congress (Article I, Section 8) - B
The Necessary & Proper Clause (Elastic Clause): Implied commerce powers are nearly unlimited.
The Powers of Congress (Article I, Section 8) - C
The House alone initiates revenue (tax) bills and impeaches gov. officials.
The Powers of Congress (Article I, Section 8) - D
The Senate alone: approves Presidential appointments (majority vote) and treaties (2/3 vote); tries impeached government officials (2/3 vote to convict).
The Incumbency Factors
Being in office has advantages that help incumbents stay in office:
1) Media access
2) Pork-barrel “earmarks”
3) Casework
4) Franking privilege
5) Money
6) Experience
7) McCain-Feingold Bipartisan Campaign Reform
Media access
greater name recognition for news-making incumbents.
Pork-barrel (“earmarks”)
taking credit for bringing Federal projects & money to their district/state.
Casework
having paid staff assist with bureaucratic problem
(Example: getting/finding government checks for constituents)
Franking privilege
Congress members get unlimited free mail.
