Legislative Branch

what does the legislative branch do?

the purpose of the branch is to make laws that benefit the people and government.

House of Representatives

-Members are elected every 2 years by the people

-currently there are 435 members

-must be at least 25 years old

must be a US citizen for at least 7 years

live in the state they represent

Senators

-serve 6 year terms

-state legislators select and appoint senators

-must be 30 years old

-must be a citizen for at least 9 years

-must live in the state they represent

-Each state represented equally

-two senators per state

Enumerated/Expressed powers

powers given to congress in the constitution.

• the power of the purse ( control money )

• the power to pass a federal budget

• tax

• borrow money

• coin money

• declare war

• regulate interstate commerce (trade)

necessary and proper clause

gives congress the ability to make laws that are necessary for the good of the people

implied powers

powers of the federal government that go beyond the expressed powers under the necessary and proper clause.