CONGRESS

Qualifications for Congress

House: 25 years old, 7 years citizen; Senate: 30 years, 9 years citizen.

Redistricting and Gerrymandering

Redistricting redraws districts; Gerrymandering manipulates them for party advantage.

Speaker of the House Responsibilities

Leads House, sets agenda, assigns committees, manages debate.

Models of Representation

Delegate: follow voters; Trustee: use judgment; Politico: mix of both.

Legislative Process

Bill → committee → floor → other chamber → president (sign/veto).

Federalist 63

Senate protects against tyranny through stability and experience.

How can Senate protect against tyranny?

Long terms encourage deliberation and check impulsive House actions.

Objection to Senate and Madison's response

Critics feared aristocracy; Madison said it ensures wisdom and independence.

17th Amendment

Established direct election of Senators (1913).

Declare War Clause

Congress declares war; President conducts it as Commander in Chief.