Congressional Structure - Structure And Organization Of Congress

Unit 3

Lesson A: Structure and Organization of Congress

Student Resource: Congressional Structure Organizer

Congressional Structure Chart

Before you read:

What does the legislative branch do?

Define bi-cameral. / Draw a picture that will trigger your memory.

While you read: Use the text to fill in the requested information.

Characteristics / House of Representatives / United States Senate /
Total number of members
How are the numbers of members determined for each state?
What is the minimum age to be a member?
Residency (Where must the member live?)
Is U.S. citizenship required?
How long is the term of office?
Who are the leaders?
Besides making laws, what other jobs does Congress have?

After you read:

·  Put an (!) next to any characteristic that you find appealing.

·  Put a (?) next to any characteristic that you think is negative.

·  Consider: In which chamber of Congress would you rather serve? Explain.