The Legislative Branch: The House and The Senate Making Laws
(Lecture Notes from Mr. Kersey's 8th Grade U.S. History Class)Much of the content here is taken directly from Ben's Guide to Government for Kids. This is an absolutely great resource for students.
Congress
- Congress is made up of two houses: The Senate and The House of Representatives.
- It is the job of Congress to make laws.
Powers of Congress
- Makes laws controlling interstate commerce and trade between the United States and other countries.
- Makes laws about taxes and borrowing money.
- Approves the making of money.
- Can declare war on other countries.
The House of Representatives
- Representation is based on the number of people living in each state.
- There are a total of 435 representatives in the House.
- Each member represents an area of the state, known as a congressional district.
- Each state has at least one congressional district and therefore one representative in the House.
Requirements for the House
- Representatives must:
- Be at least 25 years old.
- Be a U.S. citizen for the past 7 years.
- Live in the state they represent.
Terms for the House
- Representatives serve a two year term in office.
- There is no limit to the number of times they can be re-elected.
Special Duties of the House
- Start laws that make people pay taxes.
- Decide if a government official should be impeached.
The Senate
Every state has 2 senators representing them in the senate, for a current total of 100.Requirements for the Senate
- Senators must:
- Be at least 30 years old.
- Be a U.S. citizen for the past 9 years.
- Live in the state they represent.
Terms for the Senate
- Senators serve a six year term in office.
- There is no limit to the number of times they can be re-elected.
Special Duties of the Senate
- Approves any treaties the president makes.
- Confirm Presidential appointees for jobs, such as cabinet officers, Supreme Court justices, and ambassadors.
- Holds trials for a government official who has been impeached.
