Congress Flashcards
How many representatives are in Congress?
535
How many Senators are in the senate?
100
How many representatives in the HoR?
435
Why are there more representatives in the HoR than the Senate?
It was decided by the framers, under the Connecticut compromise that their would be a representative chamber in proportion to state size.
What was the Connecticut Compromise?
It ensured that there would be a bicameral congress (two chambers)
Which article of the Constitution does congress fall in?
Article 1
How often are senators elected?
Every 6 years, with a third happening every 2 years.
How often are HoR elected?
every 2 years.
Why does incumbency give advantages for congressional elections?
They are able to use congress resources such as their email, and send out post to suggest what they have done over the prior 6 years.
People often don’t know their senator, as they cover a lot more constituents so don’t really care about congressional elections.
Established donors, so can raise more for election campaigns.
Gerrymandering- The party in power in the state can benefit their incumbents.
arguments for the bicameral structure in congress
Stronger legislation scrutiny
Better checks upon actions of officials
Stronger representation of the people, as they don’t have a singular representative
arguments against a bicameral structure of congress
Can lead to a roadblock in legislation passing
Can create a rivalry between the two houses, benefitting no-one
Members of the second chamber are often older, therefore not representing the demographic of the country and its values.
What powers are exclusively given to the Senate?
Impeachment trials.
Ratification of treaties.
Confirm judicial appointments made by the executive.
Electing the VP if there is deadlock.
What type of system is Congress?
Bicameral (two chambers).
Where do Representatives represent?
A congressional district.
Where do Senators represent?
Their entire state.
What are the requirements to become a senator?
Be at least 30 years old.
Must be a US citizen for at least 9 years.
Must be a resident of the state they represent.
What are the requirements to become a Representative?
Be at least 25 years old.
Must be a US citizen for at least 7 years.
Must be a resident of the state they represent.
What does representation in the House vs the Senate look like?
House- 120 women
House- 26% of ethnic backgrounds
House- 40% are between the age of 28 and 58.
Senate- 24 women (1/4)
Senate- 11% are of ethnic backgrounds
Senate- 68% are over the age of 58.
Why is the House a better representation of the US?
They are re-elected more frequently so are more in line with people’s current opinions, as they are elected every 2 years.
Senators usually derive from state legislatures, meaning if they are not particularly diverse then congress will be less diverse.
Where did Gerrymandering originate?
Massachusetts, with state governor Gerry.
What are the powers given to both Congressional houses?
Law making.
Overriding the President’s veto.
Initiating constitutional amendments.
Declaring war.
Oversight of the executive branch.
‘Power of the purse’
Confirming the appointed Vice President.
What powers do the House exclusively have?
Begin the impeachment process through accusing the official.
Confirming a President if there is deadlock.
Begin the consideration of all bills involving money.
What are the functions of Congress?
Representation
Legislation
Oversight.
What are the two methods of representation in Congress?
Trustee model
Delegate model