Unit 8 Legislative Branch

1
Unit 8Legislative Branch

• Chapter 5, Section 1
• Congressional Membership

2
Essential Question

• Why is it easier for incumbents to win reelection
  than it is for someone new to beat them?

3
I CAN

1. Explain the Founding Fathers intent for the
   Legislative Branch
2. Define what a bicameral legislation means
3. Analyze the characteristics of the members of
   Congress
4. Evaluate the 5 reasons Incumbent Congressmen are
   reelected.

4
What does Congress Do?

• http//www.youtube.com/watch?vfdgU08k-CTQ
• Facts of Congress

5
Congress and the 3 Branches

• Most Important Duty of Congress Make the Laws
  that govern USA

6
Founders and Congress

• Founders expected Congress to be most important
  and powerful
• Article 1 of the Constitution
• Bicameral legislature- made up of two houses

7
Congressional Sessions

• 112th Congress
• Starts on January 3 of odd numbered year (20th
  amendment)
• Lasts for 2 years
• Each term divided into two sessions or meetings
• Congress remains is sessions until members
  adjourn

8
Members of Congress

• 535 voting members
• 5 delegates from DC, Guam, American Samoa, and
  Virgin Islands, and Northern Mariana Islands
• 1 resident commissioner from Puerto Rico

9
Characteristics of Members

• 50 are lawyers
• Average age 50
• Typically white, middle-aged males, but starting
  to change with culture

10
Diversity in Congress

• http//www.youtube.com/watch?vhQa8QrPy7bofeature
  relmfu

11
(No Transcript)
12
Women in Congress

• http//www.youtube.com/watch?vPzzwwNUXnpgfeature
  relmfu

13
Members and Reelection

• Incumbent- members who are already in office
• Win 90 of elections

14
Reasons for Incumbent Reelection

1. Easier to raise campaign funds
2. Many districts have been gerrymandered in the
   incumbents favored
3. Have better name recognition than their opponents
4. Use position to help solve voters problems
5. Majority of voters believe they best represent
   their views

15
Why Congress Matters?

• http//www.youtube.com/watch?vFkPMldX6JLIfeature
  relmfu
• Facts of Congress Why Congress Matters

16
Essential Question

• Why is it easier for incumbents to win reelection
  than it is for someone new to beat them?