Reading Notes:
Step 1: Read Section 9.3 (167-168) and answer the questions below.
1. What is the main job performed by the legislative branch?

The legislative branch makes laws.
2. 2. What does “bicameral” mean?

Bicameral means “having two lawmaking parts”.

Congress is divided into two bodies or houses, the Senate and the House of
Representatives.
3. 3. What are proposals for new laws called?

Proposals for new laws are called bills.
Step 2: Constitution Challenge Cards
1. What is the length of term of office for members of the US House of Representatives?

Members of the House of Representatives serve two-year terms.

Article I, Section 2
2. How old must a person be to be elected to the US House of Representatives? To the Senate?

A person must be 25 years old to be elected to the House

and 30 years old to be elected to the Senate.

Article I, Section 2 and 3
3. Who has the power to propose a law to raise revenue (a tax law)?

All bills raising revenue shall originate in the House of Representatives.

Article I, Section 7
4. What is the length of term of office for members of the United States Senate?

Senators serve six-year terms.

Senators serve six-year terms.
5. Who has the power to declare war?

Congress has the power to declare war.

Article I, Section 8
6. How many members of the US Senate are there? The US House of Representatives? Congress?

The Senate has 100 members

and the House has 435,

so Congress has 535 members.

Article I, Section 2, 3, and margin note

In 1789, with only 26 senators and 65 representatives, the first Congress met in Federal
Hall in New York City.

The Reapportionment Act of 1929 set the permanent size of the House of
Representatives at 435.