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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Function: Committees conduct hearings, oversee executive actions, and guide legislation through Congress.
Types of Committees:
Standing Committees: Handle bills in specific policy areas.
Joint Committees: Include members from both houses for specific issues.
Conference Committees: Reconcile differences between house and senate bills.
Select Committees: Address specific issues or investigations.
Members prioritize serving on committees that align with their constituencies.
Committee Chairs: Schedule hearings, manage committee agendas, and have influence over legislative processes.
Introduction: Members introduce about 11,000 bills per Congress. Only members can submit bills.
Process for Passing Bills:
Introduction in House or Senate.
Assignment to committee/subcommittee for hearings and amendments.
Full committee report and scheduling for debate.
Vote in both houses, reconciliation in a conference committee if necessary.
Presidential approval.
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.
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.
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.