Membership Webinar Fall Legislative Strategy September 24, 2013
Unit 8 Legislative Branch Chapter 5, Section 1 Congressional Membership.
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Transcript of Unit 8 Legislative Branch Chapter 5, Section 1 Congressional Membership.
Unit 8Legislative
BranchChapter 5, Section 1Congressional Membership
Essential Question Why is it easier for
incumbents to win reelection than it is for someone new to beat them?
I CAN:1. Explain the Founding Fathers intent for
the Legislative Branch2. Define what a bicameral legislation
means3. Analyze the characteristics of the
members of Congress4. Evaluate the 5 reasons Incumbent
Congressmen are reelected.
What does Congress Do? http://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=fdgU08k-CTQ Facts of Congress
Congress and the 3 Branches
Most Important Duty of Congress: Make the Laws that govern USA
Founders and Congress
Founders expected Congress to be most important and powerful
Article 1 of the Constitution
Bicameral legislature- made up of two houses
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
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
Characteristics of Members
50 % are lawyersAverage age: 50Typically white,
middle-aged males, but starting to change with culture
Diversity in Congress http://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=hQa8QrPy7bo&feature=relmfu
Women in Congress http://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=PzzwwNUXnpg&feature=relmfu
Members and Reelection
Incumbent- members who are already in office
Win 90% of elections
Reasons for Incumbent Reelection1. Easier to raise campaign funds2. Many districts have been
gerrymandered in the incumbent’s 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
Why Congress Matters? http://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=FkPMldX6JLI&feature=relmfu Facts of Congress: Why Congress
Matters
Essential Question Why is it easier for
incumbents to win reelection than it is for someone new to beat them?