US Congress

Explain and analyse three ways that structural theory could be used to study the legislative process in the US congress and Uk parliament.

• Congress - true bicameral legislative - equal legislative power, in the UK House of Commons dominates - Parliament acts 1911 and 1949.

• Separation of powers - real legislature because no fusion, where as the UK i

• Committees - more important in america because they directly control legislation. In the uk there is no equivalent

Explain and analyse three ways that rational theory could be used to study how members of Congress and Parliament vote within their respective legislatures.

• party discipline - whips - one of the 7 MPs to vote against the two child benefit cap, whereas US Congressmen may vote in the wishes of constituents to keep their power because of pork barrelling

• representation - representing constituents views not as big of a deal in the HOL because they are under no pressure, whereas in the US both chambers are elected and so vote in accordance to keep their seats (however Senate

• Similar ideological ideas EG Momentum in labour (Jeremy Corbyn), blue dog in democrats

Explain and analyse three stages of the legislative process

• committee stage - where most bills fail - anything can be added by the standing committee specialists

• Timetabling - legislative traffic jam - unanimous consent in the Senate, whilst House rules committee in the house, discharge petition may occur if they fail to give time for a popular bill. Successfully used on the Bipartisan campagin reform act.

• Floor debate and vote on passage; filibustering can take place, storm Thurmond.

Three ways congress can check the president

• impeachment - majority in the house, senate trial and then 2/3 majority to get impeached - Donald Trump on inciting Capitol Hill. No similar power for the rpresident.

• Power of the purse - house rejected Donald trump’s boarder wall funding.

• Override a presidential veto - Senate overrode Donald Trump’s defence spending bill + (justice against sponsors of terrorism act with Obama)

What factors affect voting in cONGRESS?

• Party - on ideological matters, eg abortion, gun control etc…Federal informations Systems safeguard act.

• Personal beliefs. Rational choice.

• Ideological groupings - factions/caucuses eg Blue dog - fiscally conservative .

three purposes of congressional caucuses

• educational

• agenda setting

• encouraging support for their proposals

Explain and analyse the roles of congressional committees

• CONFIRMING PRESIDENTIAL APPOINTMENTS EG SENATE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE EG MARRICK GARLAND. RECOMMENDATORY VOTE.

• select committees - investigate particular issue eg Obama and Hilary Clinton questioned on Benghazi attack.

• House rules committee - giving times for bills etc, if they fail…discharge petition. Successful on bipartisan campaign reform act.

Explain and analyse the functions of standing committees?

• holding hearings on the bill

• conducting investigations - oversight function

• senate; confirming presidential appointments; hearings and committee vote usually mirrors floor vote eg ruth bader got 18-0 and then 96-3