The Legislative Branch - Creating the Laws
The Legislative Branch consists of a bicameral Congress, which includes the Senate and the House of Representatives. The main responsibility of congress is to pass legislation. Other responsibilities include imposing taxes, create a budget, declare war, and investigate and oversee the executive branch. Each congress member is choosen through direct election, with two Senate members from each state, and a number of Representatives (at least one) based on that state's relative population. To learn how congress passes legislation, watch this information video (that is, if you can handle the cheesy-ness): Just a Bill
Congressman
Salary: $174,00
Benefits: Retirement and Health Benefits
Expense Allowances (travel, office materials, personal staff etc.)
Franking Privileges
Congresssional Committees
Standing Committees - Cover bills in specific policy areas such as agriculture, finance, foreign relations, veterans' affairs, etc.
Joint Committees - Similar to Standing Committees, they cover bills in specific policy areas, however they draw membership from both houses.
Conference Committees - Formed when House and Senate pass different versions of the same bill in order to create a bill that satisfies both houses
Select Committees - Committees appointed for a very specific purpose (like the Watergate investigation). They may be permanent or temporary.
Congressman
Salary: $174,00
Benefits: Retirement and Health Benefits
Expense Allowances (travel, office materials, personal staff etc.)
Franking Privileges
Congresssional Committees
Standing Committees - Cover bills in specific policy areas such as agriculture, finance, foreign relations, veterans' affairs, etc.
Joint Committees - Similar to Standing Committees, they cover bills in specific policy areas, however they draw membership from both houses.
Conference Committees - Formed when House and Senate pass different versions of the same bill in order to create a bill that satisfies both houses
Select Committees - Committees appointed for a very specific purpose (like the Watergate investigation). They may be permanent or temporary.