Western Reserve Public Media
 
PBS
Answer Key — Article I Worksheet

 

ARTICLE I: The Legislative Branch

Introduction

  1. What is the main focus of Article I?
    The main focus of Article I is the legislative branch and its role in U.S. government.

  2. In one sentence, summarize the main function of the legislative branch.
    The legislative branch writes/makes laws.

  3. Using a dictionary, define bicameral and representative democracy.
    Bicameral — two houses, two law making houses
    Representative Democracy — a type of democracy in which the citizens delegate authority to elected representatives.

  4. What are the two lawmaking chambers of our legislative branch?
    The Senate and the House of Representatives

  5. Which chamber is the upper house? Lower house?
    The Senate is called the upper house and the House of Representatives is the lower house.

  6. The two houses together are called Congress.

 

Qualification/Leadership/Term
Senate
House of Representatives
1. Minimum age requirement: 30 years old 25 years old
2. Citizenship requirements: U.S. citizen for nine or more years U.S. citizen for seven or more years
Both senators and representatives must be residents of the state they represent.
3. Term of office (length in office): Six years (unlimited terms) Two years (unlimited terms)
4. Number of members: Two/state — 100 members Based on population — 435 members
5. Head of chamber: President of the Senate (held by the vice president) Speaker of the House


Congressional Duties/ Responsibilities/ Powers
Congress has the power to …

  1. Collect taxes.

  2. Borrow money on the credit of the United States.

  3. Regulate trade/commerce with other nations.

  4. Coin money and punish counterfeiters.

  5. Declare war and raise a military.
Copyright©2006, Northeastern Educational Television of Ohio, Inc. All rights reserved.