Structure, Roles & Powers of the US Congress

What are the two chambers of Congress?

• Senate

• House of Representatives

How often are the HoR elected?

Every two years

How often are the Senates elected?

Abut one-third of the seats are up for election every two years

What are the HoR election cycles like?

All 435 seats are up for election every two years

How many senates are there?

100

How many representatives are there?

435

What are the powers of the house of representatives?

• Power of the purse

  • Initiate revenue bills

• Impeach federal officials

• Choose president (if no electoral college majority)

What are the shared powers of the House of Representatives and Senate?

• pass federal laws (both must approve)

• Control federal budget

• Regulate interstate commerce

• Declare war (both must agree)

• Amend Consitution and propose changes

What are the powers of the Senate?

• Confirm appointments of judges, cabinet members & ambassadors

• Hold trials for impeached officials

• Approve international agreements

• Choose vice president (if no electoral majority)

What is the significance of incumbents?

• better name recognition

• Access to resources

• Track record to campaign on

How can incumbency be an issue?

Creates the ‘safe seat’ phenomenon, where elections become less competitive thus threatening for a more representative democracy