Legislative Branch
Congress
SenateThe Senate makes up one body of the bicameral congress in America. The Senate has many important jobs given to them by the constitution. A few include: passing and approving bills, impeaching officials, approving treaties, and declaring war. The Senate has exactly 100 members. Each state receives 2 Senators, no matter how big or small. In order to run for Senate, one must be at least 30 years of age, a citizen of the state in which they will represent for at least the past nine years, as well as be a citizen of the state at the time of the election. Each term is 6 years long. Leadership in the Senate is widespread. According to the constitution, the Vice President serves as the leader of the Senate. When he is unable to advise them, the President Pro Tempor must fulfill that role. The President Pro Tempore is the longest serving member of the majority party in the Senate. The Majority Leader in the Senate serves as the spokesperson for their party and manages legislative and executive business for the Senate. This position is achieved through election by the other members. The Minority Leader has the same responsibilities as the Majority Leader, but is a member of a different party. The majority and minority parties in the Senate have whips. Whips are people who are in charge of counting and gaining votes before a bill is voted on.
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House of RepresentativesThe House of Representatives is one of the two bodies that make up the American bicameral congress. The House is in charge of passing bills for the country. Each representative represents a district located in a state. There are 435 total districts. These districts are based upon population. The House members are directly elected by the people in which they will represent. In order to run for the House, according to the constitution, the person must be at least 25 years old, live in the state that they will represent, and been a citizen of the state for the past seven years. The terms are two years long. There are many roles in which you can attain leadership in the House. The Speaker of the House serves as the spokesperson for the House. He is a member of the majority party and is elected by the members on the first day of each new congress. The Majority Leader is also a member of the majority party. He is elected by the members and is in charge of overseeing committees and setting the agenda. The Minority Leader is a member of the minority party. This person's job is to be a spokesperson for the party as well as help the minority party gain control of the House. The Majority and Minority Leaders are assisted by whips. The whips jobs are to tally and round up votes for the party in which he or she belongs.
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Salary and Benefits
Currently, congressmen receive a salary of $174,000. Congressional leaders, such as the Speaker of the House and Majority Leaders, earn more. The speaker of the House receives $223,500 per year. The House and Senate Majority and Minority Leaders earn $193,400. The President pro tempore earns $193,400. Congressmen only receive this compensation during their elected terms. Members of congress also receive health and life insurance through the federal government.
Committees
In order to efficiently pass bills and debate, congress is split into committees. These committees focus on specific issues and topics. The members of committees are well educated on the issue in which their committee pertains. Congressmen usually join committees that have an impact on their constituents. Committee heads are appointed by the Speaker in the House and the Majority Leader in the Senate. Examples of committees include:
- House Ways and Means
- House Rules
- Senate Judiciary
- Appropriations