government 4.2 quiz notes

House of Representatives

The lower chamber of Congress, size determined by the total number of seats apportioned among the states based on population.

Apportionment

The process of distributing seats in the House of Representatives among the states based on their population.

Reapportionment Act of 1929

Legislation that established the permanent size of the House of Representatives at 435 members.

Gerrymandering

The practice of drawing district boundaries to benefit a political party.

Wesberry v. Sanders

A 1964 Supreme Court case stating that congressional districts must have substantially equal populations.

Qualifications for the House

Must be at least 25 years old, a US citizen for at least 7 years, and an inhabitant of the state from which elected.

Senate

The upper chamber of Congress, consisting of two senators from each state.

Election to the Senate

Originally appointed by state legislatures, now directly elected as per the 17th amendment.

Term of Office for Senate

Senators serve a 6-year term with no term limits.

Off-Year Elections

Elections held in years when there is no presidential election, typically resulting in the president's party losing seats.

Informal qualifications for the House

Includes factors like incumbency and fundraising ability.

District Size Requirement

Each congressional district should ideally have the same number of constituents, as established by Congress in 1872.

At-Large System

A voting system where representatives are elected statewide rather than from specific districts, abolished in 1842.

Compact Territory Requirement 1901

Requirement for congressional districts to have a compact territory.

Powell v. McCormack

A 1969 Supreme Court ruling that the House cannot exclude a member-elect who meets constitutional standards.

Qualifications for the Senate

Senators must be at least 30 years old, US citizens for nine years, and live in the state they represent.