The US Congress is bicameral, consisting of the House of Representatives and the Senate. The House has 435 representatives who are at least 25 years old, live in their state, and have been citizens for at least 7 years. The Senate has 100 senators, with 2 from each state, who are at least 30 years old, live in their state, and have been citizens for at least 9 years. Bills can be proposed by members of either chamber and must pass through committees and debates in both the House and Senate before being sent to the President to sign into law or veto. The President can also veto bills passed by Congress.

1. Chapter 6 Notes
Congress- Bicameral
House of Representatives
- Representatives: 435
- In NC: 13
- Requirements
- 25+ years of age
- Live in the state
- Citizen for 7+ years
Senate
- Total: 100
- NC: 2
- Requirements
- 30+ years of age
- Live in the state
- Citizen for 9+ years
Bills Becoming Law
- Proposed by a member of House or Senate
- Bill is a proposal, if passed if becomes law
- Committee Assignments (seniority)
- Standing Committees (permanent)
- Select
- Joint
- Specific Topics discussed and up for vote
- Both in House and Senate
- Most start in senate
- House of Rep bills are typically revenue or appropriations ($$$)
- Senate has a floor debate (if disagree the bill dies)
- Filibuster: people get tired of listening and give in
- President Pro Tempore: controls debate
- Cloture: vote to end a filibuster
- Goes to House who assigns to a committee
- Debate again (if disagree bill dies)
- President of House controls debate
- If goes through both House and Senate then goes to President
- If President signs bill becomes law
- President can veto
- Goes back to Congress for 2/3 vote to override
- Pocket Veto
Tara Pawlyk Thursday, May 16, 2013 10:53:18 AM ET 04:0c:ce:d3:10:88