The Legislative Branch

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In the first article of the United States’ Constitution, the Framers of the Constitution created the first branch of government which they called the “Legislative” branch. The Legislative branch is also referred to as “Congress” and is comprised of both an upper and lower house which creates a bicameral legislature. The upper house of Congress is called the United States’ Senate and the lower house of Congress is called the House of Representatives. Candidates who decide to run for Congress run in a primary election and once elected, they are made independent representatives of specific districts and states regardless of their party (DeLorenzo). Together, Congress is in charge of both representing the American people and taking action through…show more content…
Through bicameralism and a balance between centralization and decentralization, Congress is also able to give both small and large states equality (Wilson 317). Even though both the Senate and the House of Representatives are in charge of making laws, they both have very different roles and responsibilities that make each house unique in their governmental functions. For example, the 100 members elected to the U.S. Senate serve for an unlimited amount of six year terms and carry out specific duties such as deciding whether or not to accept presidential nominations to the federal courts, discerning if presidential appointments can be made to federal positions, and approving treaties by a two-third vote. Not only this, but the Senate will be expected to choose a Vice-President if the electoral college is unable to come to a clear decision and are required to offer their time and service during impeachment trials if necessary…show more content…
Although both leaders are elected by whichever party they represent, the majority leader has more power as seen by his or her ability to schedule Senate business and to have a strong influence over political bargaining. A whip is a senator who is in charge of helping the majority or minority leader stay on top of their agenda and analyzes the party member’s feelings and views of controversial issues (Wilson 330). Even though the Constitution originally stated that Senators would be elected by legislatures in the state, the 17th amendment now allows each Senator to be elected by popular vote, though each Senator is required to be older than 30 and a U.S. citizens in the state they represent for over nine years (DeLorenzo). However, those elected into the House of Representatives are required to be over the age of 25 and have to have been a U.S. citizen for seven years while living in their representing district. The 435 Representatives of the House also serve an unlimited amount of terms of two years each, but have different jobs and assigned powers
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