Congress

House of Representatives (what they do)

Initiate revenue bills

Impeach federal executive and judicial officials

Choose president if neither candidate receives majority in Electoral College

Senate (what they do)

Trial of impeached officials

Advice and Consent

Approve presidential appointments (Executive department and agency heads, federal justices)

Ratify treaties negotiated by president (2/3 majority)

Choose vice president if neither candidate received majority in Electoral College

Congressional Oversight

Congressional oversight is when Congress keeps an eye on how the government is working, especially the executive branch and its agencies. It’s like being “watchdog” to make sure laws are being followed, $ spent properly, and government does what they’re supposed to do

House of Representatives (Description)

More formal and descriptive rules

Highly influenced by party politics

More specialized in particular policy areas

Very committee based

Majoritarian decisions

Senate (Description)

More bipartisanship

Members more generalist than specialist

Less committee based

Decisions based more on consensus and consent

Gerrymandering

Drawing districts to favor a political party or group

Independent commissions

Incumbency Effect

Current office holders winning reelection

Advantages:

-Name recognition

-Credit claiming

-Casework

-Visibility

-Media Exposure

-Voting record

Disadvantages:

-Mistrust of government

-Unpopular political party

-Redistricting effect

-“Held Responsible ”