Unit 5; Structural Differences (The House)

They have to constantly focus on being re-elected making them more responsive to voters in their specific district

2 year term length

The house reps smaller districts, becoming close to local interests

Constituency size

Partisan (division between political parties) atmosphere

Each district is different, causing house members to have different views that depend on what locals want

US Term limits v. Thornton

Court ruled that there cannot be limits on how many times someone can be re-elected in congress

Because the House of Reps has shorter terms and more members it has to develop a _____________ and more ________ than the Senate.

Stronger Leadership structure and Formal Rules

Members only serving 2 years per term makes things move _____ and the large number of members makes managing debates and voting more ______

Quickly and Complex

Speaker of the House

• Chosen by all house members (majority party)

• Only house leadership position mentioned in the cons.

Speaker of the House (Major Powers)

• Assigning bills to committees

• Picking party members to serve on committees

• Controlling who gets to speak during debates

• 2nd in line for presidency (After the VP)

Majority Leader

• In the same party as the speaker

• Helps manage debates and supports the Speaker

Minority Leader

• Part of the opposing party

• Head spokesperson for the minority group

• coordinates the minority party’s plan

Whips

• Keeps track of votes and makes sure members vote with the party

• Tells members when votes are happening and what the party’s position is

• Chosen for persuasive skills