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According gameofjobs.org, Representatives and Senators get elected through citizens.

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The Organization of the legislative branch committees

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The Organization of the legislative branch committees

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according to Fiveable.me, The legislative branch is divided into 3 committees. these committees are the Standing Committee, the Joint committee, and the Select committees. The purpose of the Standing Committee is to handle ongoing issues like education and budget. The joint committee focuses on discussing and solving issues mainly for policy reasons. The Select committee is in charge of investigation.

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Types and functions of committees | Congress Class Notes | Fiveable

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Review 6.1 Types and functions of committees for your test on Unit 6 – Committee System & Legislative Expertise. For students taking Congress

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According to Government Branches, in total there are 535 members of the legislative branch. the House of Representatives has 435 members and while the Senate has 100 members (2 members from each state). So in total, the legislative branch holds 535 members.

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A basic description of the Legislative Branch of the U.S. government.

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According to the Branches of Government, the legislative branch is a branch of government made up of Congress who make up all laws.

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To ensure a separation of powers, the U.S. Federal Government is made up of three branches: legislative, executive and judicial. To ensure the government is effective and citizens' rights are protected, each branch has its own powers and responsibilities, including working with the other branches.

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The legislative branch members mainly work in the U.S Capitol Building which is located in Washington DC. (Capitol.gov)

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According to Discovery Ed, the legislative branch is explained in Article I of the United States Constitution.

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According to the legislative branch student center, the leaders of the legislative branch are the Senate majority, Speaker of the house and the Senate minority. There is no main leader, It's a group of leaders.

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According to Whitehouse.gov, the powers of the legislative branch are making laws, declaring war, to confirm and deny appointments, impeaching officials, and to regulate taxes.

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Established by Article I of the Constitution, the Legislative Branch consists of the House of Representatives and the Senate, which together form the United States Congress. The Constitution grants Congress the sole authority to enact legislation and declare war, the right to confirm or reject many Presidential appointments, and substantial investigative powers.

The House of Representatives is made up of 435 elected members, divided among the 50 states in proportion to their total population. In addition, there are 6 non-voting members, representing the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and four other territories of the United States. The presiding officer of the chamber is the Speaker of the House, elected by the Representatives. He or she is third in the line of succession to the Presidency.

Members of the House are elected every two years and must be 25 years of age, a U.S. citizen for at least seven years, and a resident of the state (but not necessarily the district) they represent.

The House has several powers assigned exclusively to it, including the power to initiate revenue bills, impeach federal officials, and elect the President in the case of an electoral college tie.

The Senate is composed of 100 Senators, 2 for each state. Until the ratification of the 17th Amendment in 1913, Senators were chosen by state legislatures, not by popular vote. Since then, they have been elected to six-year terms by the people of each state. Senator's terms are staggered so that about one-third of the Senate is up for reelection every two years. Senators must be 30 years of age, U.S. citizens for at least nine years, and residents of the state they represent.

The Vice President of the United States serves as President of the Senate and may cast the decisive vote in the event of a tie in the Senate.

The Senate has the sole power to confirm those of the President's appointments that require consent, and to ratify treaties. There are, however, two exceptions to this rule: The House must also approve appointments to the Vice Presidency as well as any treaty that involves foreign trade. The Senate also tries impeachment cases for federal officials referred to it by the House.

In order to pass legislation and send it to the President for his signature, both the House and the Senate must pass the same bill by majority vote. If the President vetoes a bill, they may override his veto by passing the bill again in each chamber with at least two-thirds of each body voting in favor.

The Legislative Process

The first step in the legislative process is the introduction of a bill to Congress. Anyone can write it, but only members of Congress can introduce legislation. Some important bills are traditionally introduced at the request of the President, such as the annual federal budget. During the legislative process, however, the initial bill can undergo drastic changes.

After being introduced, a bill is referred to the appropriate committee for review. There are 17 Senate committees, with 70 subcommittees, and 23 House committees, with 104 subcommittees. The committees are not set in stone but rather change in number and form with each new Congress as required for the efficient consideration of legislation. Each committee oversees a specific policy area, and the subcommittees take on more specialized policy areas. For example, the House Committee on Ways and Means includes subcommittees on Social Security and Trade.

A bill is first considered in a subcommittee, where it may be accepted, amended, or rejected entirely. If the members of the subcommittee agree to move a bill forward, it is reported to the full committee, where the process is repeated again. Throughout this stage of the process, the committees and subcommittees call hearings to investigate the merits and flaws of the bill. They invite experts, advocates, and opponents to appear before the committee and provide testimony, and can compel people to appear using subpoena power if necessary.

If the full committee votes to approve the bill, it is reported to the floor of the House or Senate, and the majority party leadership decides when to place the bill on the calendar for consideration. If a bill is particularly pressing, it may be considered right away. Others may wait for months or never be scheduled at all.

When the bill comes up for consideration, the House has a very structured debate process. Each member who wishes to speak only has a few minutes, and the number and kind of amendments are usually limited. In the Senate, debate on most bills is unlimited - Senators may speak to issues other than the bill under consideration during their speeches, and any amendment can be introduced. Senators can use this to filibuster bills under consideration, a procedure by which a Senator delays a vote on a bill-and by extension its passage-by refusing to stand down. A supermajority of 60 Senators can break a filibuster by invoking cloture, or the cession of debate on the bill, and forcing a vote. Once debate is over, the votes of a simple majority passes the bill.

A bill must pass both houses of Congress before it goes to the President for consideration. Though the Constitution requires that the two bills have the exact same wording, this rarely happens in practice. To bring the bills into alignment, a Conference Committee is convened, consisting of members from both chambers. The members of the committee produce a conference report, intended as the final version of the bill. Each chamber then votes again to approve the conference report. Depending on where the bill originated, the final text is then enrolled by either the Clerk of the House or the Secretary of the Senate, and presented to the Speaker of the House and the President of the Senate for their signatures. The bill is then sent to the President.

When receiving a bill from Congress, the President has several options. If the President agrees substantially with the bill, he or she may sign it into law, and the bill is then printed in the Statutes at Large. If the President believes the law to be bad policy, he may veto it and send it back to Congress. Congress may override the veto with a two-thirds vote of each chamber, at which point the bill becomes law and is printed.

There are two other options that the President may exercise. If Congress is in session and the President takes no action within 10 days, the bill becomes law. If Congress adjourns before 10 days are up and the President takes no action, then the bill dies and Congress may not vote to override. This is called a pocket veto, and if Congress still wants to pass the legislation, they must begin the entire process anew.

Powers of Congress

Congress, as one of the three coequal branches of government, is ascribed significant powers by the Constitution. All legislative power in the government is vested in Congress, meaning that it is the only part of the government that can make new laws or change existing laws. Executive Branch agencies issue regulations with the full force of law, but these are only under the authority of laws enacted by Congress. The President may veto bills Congress passes, but Congress may also override a veto by a two-thirds vote in both the Senate and the House of Representatives.

Article I of the Constitution enumerates the powers of Congress and the specific areas in which it may legislate. Congress is also empowered to enact laws deemed "necessary and proper" for the execution of the powers given to any part of the government under the Constitution.

Part of Congress's exercise of legislative authority is the establishment of an annual budget for the government. To this end, Congress levies taxes and tariffs to provide funding for essential government services. If enough money cannot be raised to fund the government, then Congress may also authorize borrowing to make up the difference. Congress can also mandate spending on specific items: Legislatively directed spending, commonly known as "earmarks," specifies funds for a particular project, rather than for a government agency.

Both chambers of Congress have extensive investigative powers, and may compel the production of evidence or testimony toward whatever end they deem necessary. Members of Congress spend much of their time holding hearings and investigations in committee. Refusal to cooperate with a Congressional subpoena can result in charges of contempt of Congress, which could result in a prison term.

The Senate maintains several powers to itself: It ratifies treaties by a two-thirds supermajority vote and confirms the appointments of the President by a majority vote. The consent of the House of Representatives is also necessary for the ratification of trade agreements and the confirmation of the Vice President.

Congress also holds the sole power to declare war.

Government Oversight

Oversight of the executive branch is an important Congressional check on the President's power and a balance against his discretion in implementing laws and making regulations.

A major way that Congress conducts oversight is through hearings. The House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform and the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Government Affairs are both devoted to overseeing and reforming government operations, and each committee conducts oversight in its policy area.

Congress also maintains an investigative organization, the Government Accountability Office (GAO). Founded in 1921 as the General Accounting Office, its original mission was to audit the budgets and financial statements sent to Congress by the Secretary of the Treasury and the Director of the Office of Management and Budget. Today, the GAO audits and generates reports on every aspect of the government, ensuring that taxpayer dollars are spent with the effectiveness and efficiency that the American people deserve.

The executive branch also polices itself: Sixty-four Inspectors General, each responsible for a different agency, regularly audit and report on the agencies to which they are attached.

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Established by Article I of the Constitution, the Legislative Branch consists of the House of Representatives and the Senate, which together form the

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Requirements and Qualifications for The Legislative Branch

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Requirements and Qualifications for The Legislative Branch

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According to Congress.how, There are many requirements for each role in the legislative branch.

Minimum age requirement:

25 yrs (Representative)

30 yrs (Senator)

Citizenship:

To be a representative you must be a citizen for at least 7 years.

To be a senator you must be a citizen for at least 9 years.

Residency:

Representatives must inhabit the state/district they represent.

Senators must inhabit they wish to represent.

Skills and traits:

Both representatives and Senators must have leadership abilities, strong communication and honesty.

Along with those traits, in order to succeed in the Legislative Branch, you must be able to guide others, collaborate and work together.

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Serving as an elected representative in the United States Congress is considered one of the highest honors and most significant responsibilities in American politics. But beyond just being an ambitious go-getter with good ideas, what specific qualifications must one meet to become a member of the U.S. Senate or House of Representatives? The Constitution and federal laws lay out formal requirements, while certain skills and traits are often considered unwritten necessities for the job. Understanding these criteria provides critical insight, not just for potential candidates but for citizens looking to make informed voting decisions. In this article, we will explore the key qualifications to join the venerated ranks of Congress and demystify the roadmap to these coveted legislative seats.

The Constitutional Cornerstone: Age, Citizenship, and Residency

The Founding Fathers outlined specific standards in the Constitution regarding age, citizenship status, and residency requirements for serving in Congress. These criteria reflect careful consideration of the maturity, eligibility, and community ties deemed necessary for the role.

Age and Maturity: Reaching the Right Age

The Constitution states a minimum age of 30 years for senators and 25 years for representatives. This disparity highlights an intent for greater life experience among senators, who originally were elected by state legislatures versus directly by voters. The age requirements have been unchanged since 1787, but some argue advancements in education and information access enable civic participation at younger ages today. Still, the thresholds aim to ensure members of Congress have reached a level of maturity and wisdom to serve responsibly.
Minimum Ages for Congress
Citizenship: Upholding American Values

Article 1, Section 2 of the Constitution mandates that representatives must be U.S. citizens for at least seven years before taking office. Senators must be citizens for at least nine years. Additionally, the president, vice president, and members of Congress must be "natural born" citizens of the United States. Some legal scholars argue this excludes naturalized citizens who obtained citizenship after immigrating. While debated, the citizenship requirements reflect a desire for elected officials to share fundamental American values and loyalties.

Residency: Deep Roots in the Community

The Founders also set residency standards to ensure representatives and senators have strong ties to the areas they aim to serve. Representatives must reside in the state they represent, not necessarily their district. Senators must inhabit the state they hope to represent in the Senate. The idea is that proximity enables deeper understanding of local needs and interests to inform legislative decisions. Of course, exceptions exist, like relocation due to redistricting. But the goal remains close connection with constituents.

Beyond the Letter of the Law: Essential Skills and Traits

While the Constitution establishes baseline requirements, several skills and qualities outside these technicalities are also vital to success in Congress. Expertise, leadership abilities, integrity, and strong communication are just some of the critical characteristics of effective legislators.

Education and Expertise: Building an Intellectual Foundation

Congress frequently grapples with complex domestic and foreign policy issues. As such, a strong educational background provides critical knowledge to inform voting and oversight. Though no formal education minimums exist, most members obtain advanced degrees, commonly in law, business, economics, medicine, or public policy. Such backgrounds prepare legislators to delve into multifaceted problems facing our nation. In addition, prior occupations like business owner, lawyer, or teacher can build subject-matter expertise in sectors like healthcare, technology, and education.

Leadership and Communication: Guiding the Ship and Connecting with Voters

Beyond academic credentials, succeeding in Congress requires the ability to guide, collaborate, and build consensus. Legislators must also clearly communicate their positions and actively engage constituents. Leadership skills enable navigating the political ecosystem, facilitating compromise, and championing critical legislation. Meanwhile, public speaking, writing, and interpersonal abilities help connect with diverse voters to retain support. In summary, leadership and communication are cornerstones for victory on the campaign trail and effectiveness upon taking office.

Integrity and Public Service: Leading with Ethics and Transparency

Given significant authority over public resources, members of Congress must adhere to ethical standards and avoid conflicts of interest. Maintaining integrity builds public trust, while misconduct risks reputation and reelection. Furthermore, a genuine motivation to serve the public good, not self-interest, demonstrates the type of virtue and selflessness intended by our nation's founders. Citizens aim to elect principled candidates who will uphold values of honesty, stewardship, and dedication to community.

The Landscape of Competition: Understanding the Electoral Maze

While meeting basic requirements is necessary, running a victorious campaign in a crowded electoral battlefield also poses challenges. Success requires mastering grassroots organizing, fundraising, media relations, and complex partisan dynamics. Understanding this terrain helps frame realistic pathways to Capitol Hill.

The Campaign Trail: Fundraising, Grassroots Organizing, and Media Savvy

Modern congressional races require significant ground efforts to mobilize voters, especially in swing districts. This means organizing volunteers to get out the vote, swaying voters through meticulous communication outreach, and utilizing data to target key demographics. Candidates must also leverage media effectively via debates, advertisements, and establishing a public narrative. Mastering retail politics and buzzworthy media skills helps candidates stand out in crowded primaries and elections. Of course, fueling these efforts demands major fundraising to afford staff and advertising. Hence, comfort soliciting donations and hosting events is critical.

The Importance of Party Affiliation: Navigating the Political Ecosystem

Gaining party support provides huge advantages like voter lists, campaign advisors, PAC donations, and endorsement publicity. As such, party identification shapes campaign mechanics and positioning. Republicans and Democrats have established policy agendas, voter coalitions, and leadership hierarchies to navigate. However, forging a unique voice within these complex ecosystems remains important, as does wooing diverse independents. Overall, party infrastructure offers leverage but also constraints to manage carefully.

Demographics and Electoral Calculus: Understanding Your Base

Since House terms are just two years, campaigning is constant. This magnifies the importance of mastering retail politics - the art of personalized voter outreach and relationship building within a community. Such grassroots engagement requires understanding district demographics like age, race, income, education level, and industry makeup. Campaign messaging must then be tailored to align shared values and address the needs of specific voter segments. Without speaking to the interests of their base, candidates will struggle to motivate turnout against seasoned incumbents.

Conclusion: Embracing the Challenge, Serving the Nation

The path to Congress has formal Constitutional prerequisites, essential applied skills, and complex partisan terrain to navigate. But at its core, the journey requires a pursuit of service grounded in principles like integrity, civic duty, justice, and sacrifice. Our nation's future relies on a steady pipeline of qualified, capable leaders from diverse backgrounds willing to tackle the challenges ahead. With information about the realities of high-level public service, engaged citizens and committed candidates can move forward eyes wide open. While the trek won't be easy, those who embark courageously may just find a place in history shaping the national story. Our system depends on it.

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What Are the Qualifications for Members of Congress? - CongressHow

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This guide explores the formal Constitutional requirements, essential skills, and campaign realities needed to become a Senator or Representative.

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The Members names of The Legislative Branch

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The Members names of The Legislative Branch

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According to U.S Senate, Arizona's senators are Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego who are both democrats.

According to Govtrack.us, Arizona's representatives are David Schweikert (Republican), Eli Crane (republican), Yassamin Ansari (Democrat), Greg Stanton (Democrat), Andy Biggs (Republican), Juan Ciscomani (Republican), Abraham Hamadeh (Republican), Paul Gosar (republican). With one spot vacant.