U.S. Congress: Legislative Proccess and Electioneering

What is the first set for a bill to become a law?

A member of Congress introduces a bill in the House/Senate. Ideas for bills can come from members of Congress, the president, government workers, or interest groups/lobbyists.

What happens after a bill is introduced?

The bill goes to a committee. A committee that specializes in that topic reviews the bill. It may send the bill to a smaller group called a subcommittee. The committee may make changes, hold hearings, or reject the bill. If approved, the bill moves forward, but if rejected the bill will be killed.

What is the role of the House Rules Committee?

Schedules floor debate and sets rules for debating bills.

How does House floor debate compare to the Senate?

House: The House Rules Committee helps set the rules and time limits for debate. Senate: Senators generally have more freedom to speak for long periods...must remain standing, cannot leave to use the bathroom, and must continuously talk

What is a filibuster?

A filibuster is a way to delay or prevent a vote by continuing debate (talking).

How is a filibuster formally ended in the Senate?

By invoking cloture with a three-fifths majority (60 votes).

What is the "nuclear option" in the Senate?

Changing Senate rules to invoke cloture with a simple majority (allows the Senate to change certain rules so that a simple majority can be enough).

Voice vote

A non-recorded vote calling for "ayes" and "nays" on non-controversial matters.

Roll call vote

A vote recording each member's vote as yea, nay, or present.

What is the purpose of a conference committee?

A conference committee works out differences. If the House and Senate pass different versions, a conference committee tries to create one final vision. Both chambers must approve the final version.

What action can the president take on a passed bill?

Sign the bill into law or veto it (Congress can override the veto with a 2/3s vote in both chambers).

How often do congressional elections take place?

Every two years on the first Tuesday in November.

How is the Senate elected across election cycles?

In staggered classes, with one-third of seats up every two years.

Who is constitutionally responsible for conducting congressional elections?

Individual state governments.

Who helps people get elected to Congress?

Political parties: Support candidates and help with campaigns. Interest groups: Support candidates who agree with their goals. Volunteers: Help with campaigning and talking to voters. PACs (Political Action Committees): Raise and spend money to support candidates. Professional political operatives: People paid to manage campaigns and develop strategies.

Incumbency Advantage

institutional advantages held by those already in office who are trying to fend off challengers in an election

Why do incumbents have an advantage?

Name recognition: Voters already know their names. Constituency services (casework): They help people in their district solve problems with the government. Pork: Government spending or projects that benefit their district or state.

Constituency casework

Direct assistance provided by members of Congress to individual constituents.

Reapportionment and Redistricting

Reapportionment: Changes how many House seats each state gets based on population. Redistricting: Changes the boundaries of congressional districts. When district boundaries change, incumbents may lose their advantage because they have new voters.

Gerrymandering

Redrawing district boundaries to give an electoral advantage to one party.

How much do candidates campaign?

Incumbents: Usually campaign less because voters already know them. Open seats: When no incumbent is running, candidates usually campaign more. Redistricted seats or strong competition: Candidates spend more time campaigning, running ads, and using social media.

Coattail effect

The coattail effect happens when a popular presidential candidate helps other candidates from the same political party win elections. The strength of this effect changes from election to election.

What typical trend occurs for the president's party in midterm elections?

The president's party almost always loses seats in Congress. Voter turnout is lower. The coattail effect isn't present.