National Legislature

Bicameral Congress

A legislature divided into two houses, specifically the Senate and House of Representatives.

Three reasons for Bicameral Congress

Historical, Practical, Theoretical.

Historical reason for Bicameral Congress

Influenced by Britain's bicameral system and colonial legislatures.

Practical reason for Bicameral Congress

Part of the Connecticut Compromise between the Virginia and New Jersey Plans.

Theoretical reason for Bicameral Congress

Each house serves as a check on the other’s power.

House and Senate relationship

If a bill passes in the House, the Senate must get 60 votes (60%) for it to continue.

President's role in legislation

The President can approve or veto a bill after it passes Congress.

Term of Congress

Each term lasts two years.

Start of each Congress term

Begins at noon on January 3rd of every odd-numbered year.

Sessions of Congress

Each term is divided into sessions.

Prorogue

To end a session when the two houses cannot agree on a date for adjournment.

Special session of Congress

A meeting called by the President to address emergency situations.

Frequency of special sessions

Special sessions do not happen often.

Harry Truman's special session

Called one after WWII recession to address economic issues despite low approval ratings.

One person, one vote principle

Established by Wesburry v. Sanders, demanding equal district populations.

Connecticut Compromise

Agreement creating a bicameral Congress, balancing representation.

Checks and balances

Each house of Congress checks the power of the other.

Emergency meetings

Can be called by the President for urgent legislative matters.

Approval rating

Percentage indicating public approval of a political figure, e.g., Harry Truman's 32%.

Legislative process

The steps through which a bill passes Congress before becoming law.