Congress

The House of Representatives

  • Size and Structure

    • Comprises 435 members since 1935.

    • It is considered a majoritarian institution.

    • A simple majority is defined as 218 votes.

  • Discharge Petition

    • A mechanism through which 218 members can demand a vote on legislation.

    • Example involving the Speaker of the House who resisted the passing of a particular law.

Current Demographics of the House

  • There are 220 Republicans and 215 Democrats in the House currently.

    • Notable issues include vacancies due to retirement or death, which lead to special elections.

    • Special elections might happen more frequently with a new presidential administration.

Representation and Voting Rights

  • Nonvoting Delegates

    • Washington D.C. has nonvoting delegates that can participate in committees but not vote on the House floor.

    • Other U.S. territories also have nonvoting delegates (e.g., Puerto Rico, Guam).

Electoral Maps

  • Maps depicting land vs. population distribution concerning congressional districts.

    • A misconception occurs when trying to equate control of land with population votes.

    • Demonstrated differences in districts based on population densities versus geographical area.

  • Example of Congressional Districts

    • Georgia's districts have a rough average of 765,000 residents.

    • Some states, like Wyoming and Vermont, have smaller populations despite their congressional representation.

Political Turnover in Congress

  • The turnover rate in Congress varies, especially during presidential elections.

    • Republican control of Congress can become narrow in competitive years.

Historic Patterns of Control in Government

  • Analysis of control over the presidency, Senate, and House of Representatives over the past twenty years.

    • Periods of single-party control versus divided government.

    • Patterns suggest that following single-party control, divided government often results.

Demographics in Congress

  • Religious Affiliation

    • About 68% of Americans identify as Christian; greater representation in Congress.

  • Race and Ethnicity

    • Majority of House members are white, with an underrepresentation of minorities.

    • There is a significant difference between Democrat and Republican racial representation.

  • Gender Representation

    • Women constitute approximately 29% in the House and 26% in the Senate.

    • Social issues about women's representation in Congress and historical obstacles they face.

Gender Barriers in Politics

  • Discussed traditional barriers experienced by women in politics.

    • Recruitment Practices

    • Often female candidates are not actively recruited as male candidates.

    • Media Coverage

    • Gender bias in media portrayal of candidates, evident in Sarah Palin’s vice-presidential campaign.

  • Confidence Gap

    • Studies show men generally have higher political confidence than women.

Candidate Running Procedures and Demographics

  • Eligibility Requirements

    • Minimum ages: 25 for House, 30 for Senate.

    • Residency must be in the state represented.

    • Must be a U.S. citizen (both natural-born and naturalized).

  • Ballot Access Laws

    • Procedures and deadlines for candidates to appear on ballots.

    • Anecdote of Kanye West missing ballot deadlines as an example.

Election Process

  • Various methods for candidates to run for office:

    • Political Party Nomination

    • Independent Candidates

    • Write-in Candidates

    • Case study of Lisa Murkowski's successful write-in campaign for Senate.

Congressional Representation Responsibilities

  • Members represent their district primarily.

    • Congressional decisions also influenced by leadership, parties, and personal ambitions.

    • Importance of political party alignment and vote adherence in Congress.

Conclusion

  • Acknowledgement of the complex balance between party loyalty and constituency representation in Congress.

  • Invitation for questions and notice for upcoming classes.