Congress

What percentage of bills die

98%, even after becoming laws

How complicated is the legislative branch (creates laws)

1. Introducion

2. Sending to committee for review

3. Hearing and debate

4. If its favored, it reports to a full chamber for debate

5. Voted on then needs to pass both chambers

6. Work for unified version

7. Final approval in chambers then POTUS

House

435 chamber size

2 year term

Districts in state (700,000)

Senate

• Filibuster, not in constitution but its legal

• 100 members

• 6 years

• State (millions, equal representatives)

• More powerful and experienced (designed so by founders)

• Confirm cabinets, judges, treaties

Filibuster

Extended debate to delay/block s vote or other things; long speeches

• Main reason why no party states their agenda, nothing gets done

How has filibuster changed over time

• Supermajority (60%) is required to end the debates

  • No party has done this since 1977

• Use of filibuster has exploded in the last couple decades

Members key motivation

To get reelected

Actions that help get re elected

• Taking positions

• Securing pork (money)

• Constituent services

• Raise money

• Receive endorsements

• Be a member of the correct party

Incumbents

Person who currently holds office politically

How often do incumbents win re election

Over 90% of the time

Advantages in winning re election

• Partisanship

• People like their member

• Personal brands and efforts, then brand does most of the work

• Exposure/recognition

• Networking/funding

Party leaders

House: Speaker, minority leader

Senate: Majority, minority leader

POTUS

Whips (into shape, 2nd and 3rd in command)

Caucus (supporters)

Committee chairs

Powers of party leaders

• Control debate/scheduling

  • Whether bills get voted on and how

• Determine overall strategy on policy, negotiation, and messaging

Partisan

Government controlled by one political party

Partisan control 1931-94

Congress controlled almost entirely by democrats, bipartisanship common, unified government is the norm

Partisan control 1980-Now

Congress up for grabs, gridlock increases, divided government is the norm NOW

Congress V. America

80% male, white and in top 10%, 85% christian, 75% over 50 y/o

50 male, 60% white, 65% christian, 10% in top 10%, 33% over 50 y/o

Problems facing congress today

• Gridlock prevents them from getting much done

• Filibuster, divided government, polarize all explanations

• Expensive elections= Lots of time spent fundraising

• Gender, race, and religion gap closing MEANWHILE, wealth and age gap grows