Legislative Branch and Structure of Congress (copy)

Bicameral legislature

A legislative body composed of two chambers, specifically the House of Representatives and the Senate in the United States Congress.

House of Representatives

One of the two chambers of Congress, composed of 435 members, with representation based on state population.

Senate

The upper chamber of Congress, composed of 100 senators, with equal representation from each state regardless of population.

Article One of the Constitution

The article that establishes Congress, outlining its powers, functions, and structure.

Great Compromise

An agreement that created a bicameral legislature during the Constitutional Convention, providing proportional representation in the House and equal representation in the Senate.

Virginia Plan

A proposal for a bicameral legislature with representation based on state population, favoring larger states.

New Jersey Plan

A proposal for a unicameral legislature with equal representation for each state, favoring smaller states.

Impeachment Process

The procedure by which the House initiates impeachment and the Senate conducts trials, requiring a two-thirds majority for conviction.

Power of the purse

The exclusive power of the House of Representatives to initiate tax laws and spending bills.

Current Speaker of the House

Mike Johnson, who leads the House of Representatives.

Direct elections

Elections in which voters elect their representatives, established for both the House and Senate by the 17th Amendment.

Filibustering

A strategy used in the Senate to delay or block legislative action, typically involving long speeches.

Two-thirds majority

The vote requirement in Congress to override a presidential veto or convict in impeachment cases.

Constituents

The people that elected representatives, such as those in the House or Senate, are responsible for representing.

Senate’s Ratification Powers

The exclusive powers of the Senate to ratify treaties and confirm presidential appointments.

Committees in Congress

Sub-groups within Congress that review bills and conduct hearings before they are voted on by the full House or Senate.

Majority in Electoral College

The threshold needed for a presidential candidate to win election; if not met, the House decides the presidency.