#16: CIVICS 101: The Legislative Branch
Q&A #16: What is the term of a Congress and how often must it meet?
Our American Government
Our American Government is a small book published by the House of Representatives for citizens and those who seek a greater understanding of the American interpretation of democracy. It follows a question-and-answer format and covers a broad range of topics dealing with the three branches of our Government, the electoral process, and the role of political parties.
The Savvy Citizen is reproducing the 169 questions-and-answers through a series of posts called Civics 101. Each post will contain the Q&A as well as some additional commentary to add historical context, fun facts, or anything we believe will add to our collective understanding of these topics.
Think of it as your adult Civics class, but without the test!
Let’s keep at it.
SECTION: The Legislative Branch: The Congress
Members, Offices, and Staff
Q&A #16: What is the term of a Congress and how often must it meet?
A Congress begins at noon, January 3, of each off-numbered year following a general election, unless by law a different day is designated. A Congress lasts for two years, with each year normally constituting a separate session.
The Legislative Reorganization Act of 1970 requires Congress to adjourn sine die [adjourning without setting a date to reconvene] not later than July 31 of each year unless there is a declared war, or unless Congress otherwise provides. In odd-numbered years, Congress must take an August recess if it fails to adjourn by July 31.
Neither the House nor the Senate may adjourn for more than three days (excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays) without the concurrence of the other Chamber. It has also become a common practice for Congress to adjourn after making provision for the House and Senate leaders to summon Congress back into session in emergency circumstances. Similarly, the Constitution grants the President the authority to summon the Congress for a special session if circumstances require.
My Thoughts
I frequently use the Law Library of Congress’s website for research purposes. It’s Ask A Librarian section is particularly useful when you need a quick answer. If you can’t find it online, one of the law librarians will research it for you and send a response within 5 days. You can find that form here.
I bring this up on this post since I used this service to confirm how long a proposed bill remains active during a Congressional term.
Here’s the answer provided online:
If a bill from any congress does not become law during the congress in which it is introduced, it is considered “dead.” For a “dead” bill to be enacted in a new Congress, it would have to be reintroduced with a new number and begin anew its journey through the legislative process.
Click here for the full response from the LOC!
Research tools provided by the government are 100% free and generally pretty user-friendly. Start playing around so you can see just how quickly you can fact check any news report, or clarify something for your own learning. No prior experience required.
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Back next time with Q&A #17: How many Members does each State have in the Senate and House of Representatives?
Meanwhile, don’t forget that we’re organizing the post links on a single page available here.
xo,
Kelley for the Savvy Citizen Team
November 5, 2024