Unit_3__319-356_

Congress and Its Structure

1. Constitutional Issues

• Congress v. Thornton: The case found state-imposed term limits on Congress members unconstitutional.

• Public Sentiment: Many Americans want amendments for term limits but are comfortable reelecting their representatives.

2. Organization of Congress to Make Policy

• Roles of Congress Members: Senators and representatives serve as politicians, fundraisers, constituency representatives, and policymakers.

• Generalists vs. Specialists: Congress is made up of generalists short on time and expertise, must organize to handle specialized decisions.

3. Bicameralism of Congress

• Definition: A bicameral legislature consists of two houses.

• U.S. Congress: Comprises the House of Representatives and the Senate.

• Connecticut Compromise: Established the composition of Congress during the Constitutional Convention.

• Representation: Each state has two senators; representatives are based on population.

• Check and Balance: No bill can become law unless both chambers agree, allowing each house to veto the other's policies.

4. Characteristics of the Houses

• House of Representatives:

  • Size: 435 members; more institutionalized, centralized, and disciplined.

  • Leadership: More loyalty to party leadership; newer members have less power.

• Senate:

  • Size: 100 members; less centralized, fewer constraints.

  • Roles: Protects elite interests; facilitates treaties and confirmations; historical shifts in ideologies and roles.

Congressional Leadership

5. House Leadership

• Speaker of the House:

  • Most important leadership role, chosen by the majority party, presides over sessions, assigns committee roles, and controls bill assignments.

• Majority and Minority Leaders: Work with representatives to manage party agendas and influence votes.

• Whips: Count votes and ensure party discipline.

6. Senate Leadership

• Vice President: President of the Senate, casts tie-breaking votes as necessary.

• Majority Leader: Schedules legislative action, influences committee appointments.

• Minority Leader: Represents the opposition party, coordinating its actions.

The Committee System

7. Importance of Committees

• Function: Committees conduct hearings, oversee executive actions, and guide legislation through Congress.

• Types of Committees:

  1. Standing Committees: Handle bills in specific policy areas.

  2. Joint Committees: Include members from both houses for specific issues.

  3. Conference Committees: Reconcile differences between house and senate bills.

  4. Select Committees: Address specific issues or investigations.

8. Committee Roles

• Members prioritize serving on committees that align with their constituencies.

• Committee Chairs: Schedule hearings, manage committee agendas, and have influence over legislative processes.

The Legislative Process

9. Lawmaking in Congress

• Introduction: Members introduce about 11,000 bills per Congress. Only members can submit bills.

• Process for Passing Bills:

  1. Introduction in House or Senate.

  2. Assignment to committee/subcommittee for hearings and amendments.

  3. Full committee report and scheduling for debate.

  4. Vote in both houses, reconciliation in a conference committee if necessary.

  5. Presidential approval.

10. Floor Debate and Filibuster

• House: Controlled debate typically, while the Senate allows unlimited debate (filibuster).

• Filibuster: Tactic used to prevent a vote on a bill by prolonged debate. Requires 60 votes to overcome.

Presidential Influence in Congress

11. President's Legislative Role

• Presidents act as chief legislators, influencing congressional agendas and often relying on party support for policy proposals.

• Challenges: Presidents must negotiate and align with congressional interests to pass legislation.

12. Conclusion

• The intricate structure of Congress, including its leadership, committee systems, and the relationship with the Presidency, highlights the complexities involved in American governance and policymaking.