Legislative Branch
Vocabulary
A. Speaker of the House
B. President Pro-tempore
C. Quorum
D. Vacancies
E. Advice and Consent
F. Filibuster
G. Cloture
H. Elastic Clause
I. Census
J. Bill
K. Majority
L. Impeach
M. Coin money
N. Naturalization laws
Main Job - To make laws
The Legislative Branch is run by the Congress.
The Congress is split into the Senate and the House of Representatives.
The Senate has 100 members, 2 from each state.
The House has 435 members and is based on the population.
The House of Representatives
Requirements
1. 25 years old
2. US citizen for 7 years
3. Live in state they represent
4. Terms are 2 years.
Special Information
1. The Speaker of the House runs the House of Reps.
2. The Speaker is 3rd in line for the Presidency.
3. He is elected by the House.
Special Powers of the House
1. All money Bills start in the House.
2. The House elects the President if there is no candidate with a majority.
3. The House may impeach the President and other federal government officials.
Page 1
Legislative Branch
The Senate
Requirements
1. 30 years old
2. US citizen for 9 years
3. Live in state they represent
4. Terms are 6 years
5. 1/3 of the Senate is elected every 2 years
Special information
1. The Vice President runs the Senate
2. The Vice President can only vote in a tie
3. The President Pro-tempore runs the Senate if the VP is not there
Special Powers of the Senate
1. Only Senate members can Filibuster
2. The Senate holds trials of impeachment
3. The Senate has the power of Advise and Consent
Powers together
1. Raise, borrow and coin money
2. Pass laws
3. Declare war
4. Control Immigration - Make naturalization laws
5. Control copyrights and patents
6. Control commerce
7. Govern Washington D. C.
Page 2