2.1 Congress: The Senate and House of Representatives

Congressional Structure

Then: Under AOC it was unicameral and equal representation for all states

Now:

• Bicameral
• Senate
  • Equal state representation (2 Senators and 2 votes per state)
  • 100 Senators total
  • Must be at least 30 years old
  • 6 year terms to insulate from public pressure
  • More congressional responsibility too
  • Less connected to the people they represtn as they represent teh whole state not districts
• House of Representatives
  • Representation based on population
  • All states guaranteed at least 1 representatives
  • Law caps representative number at 435
  • Census is done to determine how many and where people live and the 435 spots are then apportioned to representatives
  • Must be 25 years old
  • 2 year terms
  • Done to make them more responsive to people who elect them to be reelected
  • Less likely to form bipartisan coalitions as well bc of this
  • Closer to issues people in districts care about

Function of Congress

• Embodies the legislative branch and makes laws
• Both Houses much agree on identical versions of the bill by vote and POTUS signs it
  • Before this debate is done
• Chambers have different debate rules
• Senate debate rules:
  • Unlimited and relaxed debate
• House debate rules
  • Restricted and stricter debate to hour per member

Power Source

• Article I Sec. 8: enumerated powers of Congress
  • Lists exact congressional powers
  • Power to pass a federal budget (power of the purse)
  • Power to raise revenue (taxation)
  • Power to coin money (uniform currency across nation)
  • Power to declare war
  • Power to raise and maintain armed forces
• Implied powers are given via necessary and proper clause (not explicitly written in Article I Sec. 8 but in clause at the end)