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National Legislature. Unit 3 Notes. SENATE. HOUSE OF REP. We live in a REPRESENTATIVE DEMOCRACY SENATE HOUSE OF REP. representatives of the people are responsible for the day-to-day work of the gov’t Ex : Congress. Bicameral Congress. Made up of 2 houses- Senate/ House of Rep.
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National Legislature Unit 3 Notes
SENATE HOUSE OF REP. • We live in a REPRESENTATIVE DEMOCRACY • SENATE • HOUSE OF REP. • representatives of the people are responsible for the day-to-day work of the gov’t • Ex: Congress
Bicameral Congress • Made up of 2 houses- Senate/ House of Rep. • Historical Basis • based on British parliament (1300s) • Practical • settled conflict btwn. VA & NJ Plans • Theoretical • one house acts a check on the other • Bicameral Congress splits the power of Congress so it does not overwhelm the other 2 branches
Terms of Congress • Term of Congress= 2 years • Each term numbered consecutively • Start of new term= “noon of the 3 day of January”, every odd numbered year • Ex: term of 109th Congress began on Jan.3, 2005 and ended Jan.7, 2007
Sessions of Congress • Period of time each year, Congress assembles and conducts business • 2 sessions → each term • 1 session → each year • Congress adjourns (suspends until next session, each time it sees fit) • President has the power to PROROGUE • end, discontinue a session but only when the 2 houses cannot aggreeon a date for adjournment
Special Sessions of Congress • President calls Congress, usually a meeting to deal w/ some emergency situation • Congress meets nearly year round so usually there are never special sessions