DO NOW: WORK ON VOCABULARY

DNA #2: (Ch 10)

Okay, so members of the House of Representatives are elected for terms that last only two years, then they have to get re-elected, while Senators’ terms are a full six years.

1. How could the length of a person’s term impact how they behave or respond to the voters?

2. Which house of Congress will be more stable?

3. Who will be more connected with the voters?

Today you will be introduced into how the Legislative Branch of Government works. You need to know the basic differences and functions of each of the two houses.

You also need to know who our current representatives in Congress are.

As this section really only deals with one or two standards, we will only spend just a few days on each section.

Chapter 10: Congress

First, you need to know who represents us in the national government:

Dianne Feinstein:

US Senator

Represents the State of California

Democrat

Elected in 1992 (same year as Bill Clinton)

Barbara Boxer:

US Senator

Represents the State of California

Democrat

Elected in 1992 (same year as Bill Clinton and Dianne Feinstein)

Mark Takano:

Member of the House of Representatives

Represents the People of our Congressional District (which includes Riverside and Moreno Valley)

Democrat

Elected in 2012

Barack H Obama:

President of the United States

Represents the United States of America (actually represents each state)

Democrat

Elected in 2008

Purposes of Government (you should already know these):

Legislative Branch: Makes Law

Executive Branch: Carries out/ enforces Law

Judicial Branch: Interprets Law

10.1: The National Legislature

1.Congress is bicameral (2 houses)1.Purpose House of Representatives

provides protection to the more populous state, Senate provides protection to the less populous states.

2.Congressional term= length of time between congressional elections (2 years). Congressional session= 1 year.

On your QOTD (2.1), write down how you think the House would represent the interests (needs) of the larger states.

Then write down how you think the Senate would represent the interests (and needs) of the smaller states better.

When you are done, you will do a Think/Pair/Share with your neighbor.

10.2: The House of Representatives1. 435 Members of the House of Representatives.

10.2: The House of Representatives1. 435 Representatives.2. Seats in the House are divided up (apportioned)

among the states every 10 years, based on the census.

10.2: The House of Representatives1. 435 Representatives.2. Seats in the House are divided up (apportioned)

among the states every 10 years, based on the census.

3. Each state gets to draw the congressional districts, which leads to questions of fairness.

10.2: The House of Representatives1. 435 Representatives.2. Seats in the House are divided up (apportioned)

among the states every 10 years, based on the census.

3. Each state gets to draw the congressional districts, which leads to questions of fairness.

4. Requirements for membership 25+ yearscitizen for 7 yearsresident of the state represented.

10.2: The House of Representatives1. 435 Representatives.2. Seats in the House are divided up (apportioned)

among the states every 10 years, based on the census.

3. Each state gets to draw the congressional districts, which leads to questions of fairness.

4. Requirements for membership: 25+, citizen for 7 years, resident of the state represented.

5. Off-Year Election—election for representatives in a non-presidential election year. Usually has lower voter turnout (’94, ‘10).

10.2: The House of Representatives6. A term in the House of Representatives lasts for

only 2 years.

Why do you think the framers (writers) of the Constitution wanted the house of congress representing the people to be elected for terms of only 2 years? Wouldn’t that make it less stable?

Write down your opinion (QOTD 2.2), then share your answer with your neighbor. We will share as a class in about 2 minutes.

10.3: The Senate1. 100 members, 2 per state.

10.3: The Senate1. 100 members, 2 per state.2. 1/3rd of senate seats come up for election each

election cycle. (The Senate is a continuous body, in that it never contains a majority of new senators).

10.3: The Senate1. 100 members, 2 per state.2. 1/3rd of senate seats come up for election each

election cycle. (The Senate is a continuous body, in that it never contains a majority of new senators).

3. Requirements: 30+ years oldcitizen for 9+ yearsresident of the state represented.

10.3: The Senate1. 100 members, 2 per state.2. 1/3rd of senate seats come up for election each

election cycle. (The Senate is a continuous body, in that it never contains a majority of new senators).

3. Requirements: 30+ years oldcitizen for 9+ yearsresident of the state represented.

4. A term in the Senate lasts for 6 years.

Consider how long terms in the Senate are, and that only one third of the Senate comes up for reelection every two years (unlike the House where everyone has to get reelected). Why do you think the Framers created the Senate as they did? What advantage does the Senate have that the House doesn’t?

Write your answer (QOTD 2.3), then share with your neighbor.

10.4: The Members of CongressThere are several different roles of members of Congress:

10.4: The Members of CongressThere are several different roles of members of Congress:

1.As a Legislator, they make laws.

10.4: The Members of CongressThere are several different roles of members of Congress:

1.As a Legislator, they make laws.

2.As a Member of a legislative committee, they screen potential bills, and they make sure that the Executive Branch of Government is doing its job.

10.4: The Members of CongressThere are several different roles of members of Congress:

1.As a Legislator, they make laws.

2.As a Member of a legislative committee, they screen potential bills, and they make sure that the Executive Branch of Government is doing its job.

3.Congressmen and Congresswomen represent and do favors for the people in their district (their constituency).

10.4: The Members of CongressThere are several different roles of members of Congress:

3. Congressmen and Congresswomen represent and do favors for the people in their district (their constituency).

4. Politicians—Acts as a liason between the political party and the constituents.

Pull out your Vocabulary Assignment – make sure you have the definition of “Reapportion” What does it mean?

Once you have an idea, share it with your neighbor.