#AP US Government: Ultimate Study Guide 🚀

Hey! Let's get you totally prepped for the AP Gov exam. This guide is designed to be your best friend tonight – clear, concise, and super helpful. We've got this! 💪

#🏛️ The Legislative Branch: Congress

#Bicameral Structure

Congress is a bicameral legislature, meaning it's made up of two chambers: the House of Representatives and the Senate. This setup is a key part of the checks and balances system, ensuring no single body has too much power. Let's dive in!

• House of Representatives: Represents the population of each state. 🏠
  • 435 members total, based on state population.
  • Members serve 2-year terms.
• Senate: Represents the states equally. 🏛️
  • 100 members total, with 2 senators per state.
  • Members serve 6-year terms.

#House of Representatives: Representing the People

• Representation: Based on population, determined by the census every 10 years. 💯
• Districts: States are divided into congressional districts. 🗺️
  • Gerrymandering: The drawing of district lines to favor one political party over another. This can lead to less competitive elections.
• Elections: All 435 seats are up for election every two years.
• Qualifications: Must be at least 25 years old, a citizen for 7 years, and live in the state they represent.
• Safe Seats: Many House members have safe seats, leading to high incumbent re-election rates. 🗳️

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