Congress

Article I--Legislative Branch (Congress)

 

House of Reps

Senate

Age

25

30

Citizenship

7 years

9 years

Residency

In state

In state

Term

2 years

6 years

#s

435

100

Leaders

Speaker of House

Pres. of Sen. (VP)

Pres. Pro Tempore

Local Reps

Josh Gottheimer

Cory Booker

Andy Kim


Powers of Congress

  • Taxation

  • Borrow Money

  • Regulate International/Interstate Commerce

  • Coin/Regulate Value of Money

  • Citizenship Laws

  • Post Offices

  • Patents/Copyrights

  • Prosecute Piracy

  • Create Lower Federal Courts

  • Army/Navy

  • Use the Militia (aka National Guard)

  • Create a Federal Capital District

  • “All laws necessary and proper” (Elastic Clause)

 

Powers DENIED Congress

  • Eliminate slave trade before 1808

  • Suspending writ of habeas corpus

  • Ex post facto laws

  • Income tax*

  • Favoritism toward certain states in trade policies

  • Spending money without a vote

  • Noble titles

  • Acceptance of foreign gifts


How a Bill Becomes a Law

Idea > Committee > Floor Action > Conference Committee > Floor Action > President

  • President’s Options:

    • Sign it--Becomes a Law

    • Veto it--Returns to Congress (⅔ votes can override)

    • Do nothing

      • If Congress stays in session for 10 days → Law

      • If Congress adjourns → Pocket Veto

Can expel members by ⅔ vote

Congress must meet at least once per year