Question

name
first branch: legislative
a. congressional breakdown. what are the differences between the house and senate? complete this graphic organizer-using what you know from the reading.
house of representatives
number of members
eligibility requirements (age, etc.)
length of term
unique powers
senate
number of members
eligibility requirements (age, etc.)
length of term
unique powers
list the shared responsibilities of both houses.
b. shaping congress. consider the characteristics below. complete the chart to explore how they might factor into how congress works and what bills they decide to work on.
characteristic how does this impact how congress works?
senators serve 6-year terms
representatives serve 2-year terms
necessary and proper clause
congressional committees
political parties

Explanation:

Part A: Congressional Breakdown

This section covers core differences and shared duties of the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate, based on U.S. constitutional rules.

Part B: Shaping Congress

This section analyzes how structural and procedural features influence congressional behavior and priorities, grounded in U.S. legislative process principles.

Answer:

Part A: Congressional Breakdown

House of Representatives

1. Number of Members: 435 (apportioned by state population)
2. Eligibility Requirements: At least 25 years old; U.S. citizen for 7+ years; resident of the represented state
3. Length of Term: 2 years
4. Unique Powers: Initiate revenue bills; impeach federal officials; elect the President if the Electoral College is tied

Senate

1. Number of Members: 100 (2 per state)
2. Eligibility Requirements: At least 30 years old; U.S. citizen for 9+ years; resident of the represented state
3. Length of Term: 6 years (staggered elections)
4. Unique Powers: Confirm presidential appointments (cabinet, judges, etc.); ratify treaties by 2/3 vote; hold impeachment trials and vote to convict/remove officials

Shared Responsibilities of Both Houses

• Introduce and pass legislation (a bill must pass both chambers to become law)
• Declare war
• Oversee and conduct oversight of the executive branch
• Propose constitutional amendments (requires 2/3 vote in both chambers)

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Part B: Shaping Congress

Characteristic	How Does This Impact How Congress Works?
Representatives serve 2-year terms	Forces representatives to focus on short-term constituent priorities to secure re-election; makes the House more responsive to immediate public opinion
Necessary and Proper Clause	Grants Congress implied powers to pass laws needed to execute its constitutional duties; expands congressional authority beyond explicit powers
Congressional Committees	Handle the majority of legislative work (drafting, amending, reviewing bills); allow for specialized expertise on policy areas; streamline the legislative process
Political Parties	Structure congressional leadership, committee assignments, and voting blocs; drive legislative agendas; determine which bills receive consideration