The Congress.
The House of Representatives.
Composition:
435 representatives elected by the people; each represents a district in his/her own state; the number of districts in each state is determined by the Census redistricting set every 10 years; nowadays, roughly - 1 representative per 530.000 people. Presided over by:
the Speaker of the House of Representatives.
Term of Office: 2 years.
Representative Qualifications:
1) at least 25 years old; 2) US citizen for at least 7 years; 3) resident of the state he/she is elected from.
The Senate.
Composition:
100 senators elected by the people; each state is represented by 2 senators. Presided over by:
the Vice-President.
Term of Office: 6 years; 1/3 of the Senate is changed and elected every 2 years.
Senator Qualifications:
1) at least 30 years old; 2) US citizen for at least 9 years; 3) resident of the state he/she is elected from.
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Powers of the Congress: Powers denied to the Congress:
- to make federal laws, - passing laws condemning people for crimes without a trial,
- to levy and collect federal taxes, - suspension of the writ of habeas corpus,
- to declare war, - levying direct taxes on citizens,
- to put foreign treaties into effect - taxation of exports from any one state,
- to impeach and remove federal judges, - authorization of any titles of nobility.
- to impeach and remove the President,
- to coin money,
- to establish post offices,
- to set up the system of federal courts,
- the power to investigate.
Exclusive powers of the House of Representatives: Exclusive powers of the Senate:
- the revenue bill must always origin in the - approval of treaties,
House of Representatives. - approval of the President's appointments for high and judicial offices.
How bills become laws.
Stages:
I. INTRODUCTION
Any Congressman or the President may propose and introduce a bill.
II. SUBCOMMITTEE ACTION
Subcommittees hold hearings.
III. COMMITTEE ACTION
Committees hold hearings.
IV. RULES COMMITTEE ACTION
The bill is debated in either house; it can be tabled or passed.
V. CONFERENCE COMMITTEE ACTION
Mutual, from both Houses, committees are set to reach a compromise. The compromised bill is sent back to both Houses for approval.
VI. FLOOR ACTION
Each House approves the compromised bill.
VII. ENACTMENT INTO LAW
The President can:
a. sign the bill - the bill becomes the law,
b. veto the bill - the veto can be overridden by the 2/3 majority vote in both Houses.
c. remain undecided - the bill becomes the law without his signature after 10 days.