Bicameralism in the National Legislature

Bicameralism

Legislature made up of two houses, the Senate and House.

Main goal: prevents Congress from becoming too powerful.

House Qualifications

  • Citizen of US for 7 years
  • 25 years old
  • Live in state in which you are elected
Representatives have four year terms.

Reapportionment

Redistribution of seats in the House, always done according to population. Gerrymandering occurs when congressional districts are drawn to give a certain party an 'edge'.

Senate Qualifications

  • Citizen of the US for 9 years
  • 30 years old
  • Live in state in which you are elected
Senators have six year terms.

Voting and Ideological Alignments

Delegates vote on an issue based on their constituents' views. Trustees make decisions based on their own analysis. Partisans cast vote in line with their party's platform. Politicos balance a variety of positions, this is most ideal for constituents and nations as a whole.

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