Chapter 13: Congress

The Basics The franking privilege is the free mail system received by all congressman. When compared to parliament, Congress is a decentralized institution.

The Evolution of Congress Bicameral The House is based on representative government. The Senate is based on equal representation

The Evolution of Congress Phases of the House Phase 1: Power House after formation. Phase 2 The House Divided because of slavery. Power begins to wane.

The Evolution of Congress Phases of the House Phase 3: The Speaker Rules Thomas B. Reed of Maine gained the right to select committee members and chairmen By 1903, Joseph Cannon tried to continue this policy, but his power was greatly reduced. Thomas B. Reed

The Evolution of Congress Phases of the House Phase 4: The House Revolts “Czar” Cannon loses his power in the 1910-1911 Congress. Standing committees & the Rules Committee were created. Joseph Cannon

The Evolution of Congress Phases of the House Phase 5: Members Rule By the 1960s, the Civil Rights movement struck down the power of committee chairmen. By the 1970s, committee chairmen became elected by the House majority.

The Evolution of Congress Phases of the House Phase 6: Leadership Returns The number of committees were reduced in the 1990s. Democrat Nancy Pelosi becomes the first woman Speaker of the House in 2007.

The Evolution of Congress The Senate By the 20th century it became known as the Millionaires’ Club.

The Evolution of Congress The Senate Filibusters become a new tool, it is a long speech that prevents a vote from occurring. Rule 22 was eventually adopted, known as cloture, which allowed for two-thirds of the Senate, (60 senators), to stop a filibuster.

Who is in Congress? Incumbent Districts Marginal districts occur when the winner gets less than 55% of the vote Safe districts occur when the winner gets more than 55% of the vote.

Who is in Congress? Conservative Coalition It exists because Southern Democrats have been traditionally more conservative. As a result they tend to vote with the Republicans.

Do Members Represent Their Voters? Representational congressman represent their constituents. Organizational representation means the congressman is voting to please fellow members of Congress.

Do Members Represent Their Voters? Attitudinal representation means they are voting their own beliefs. “After I voted my conscious I took a tranquilizer!”

The Organization of Congress Senate & House Majority Leaders He is chosen by the majority party. He leads the party. Majority Leader, Senator Mitch McConnell (Rep.) [2016] Majority Leader, Congressman Kevin McCarthy (Rep.) [2016]

The Organization of Congress Senate & House Minority Leaders He is chose by the minority party. He leads the party. Minority Leader, Senator Chuck Schumer (Dem.) [2016] Minority Leader, Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi (Dem.) [2016]

The Organization of Congress Senate & House Whip He helps the majority or minority leader respectively. He keeps count on how members will vote. He rounds up members for a vote.

The Organization of Congress House Structure House leadership is more important because of the control over debate and the schedule. The House has 435 members.

The Organization of Congress Party Unity Party polarization occurs when the majority of Democrats vote against the majority of Republicans. Bimodal means when almost all Democrats vote one way and the Republicans vote another.

The Organization of Congress Party Unity Party affiliation is still the most important thing to know about a congressman.

The Organization of Congress A caucus is an association of members of Congress created to advocate a political ideology or a regional or economic interest.

Committee Organization Types Standing committees are permanent with specified responsibilities. Select committees are temporary committees which normally last for a few congresses. A standing committee: The Senate Budget Committee (2016)

Committee Organization Types Joint committees are those which have both representatives and senators on them. Conference committees are created to resolve differences in the House and the Senate on legislation.

The Tasks of Staff They help constituents solve their problems, which in turn helps the congressman get reelected. This makes Congress less collegial and more individualistic.

How a Bill Becomes a Law Introducing a Bill H.R. bill is introduced by the House. S. bill is introduced by the Senate.

How a Bill Becomes a Law Introducing a Bill Public bill pertains to public matters. Private bill pertains to a particular individual.

How a Bill Becomes a Law Introducing a Bill Pending legislation does not carry over to a new Congress. The president cannot introduce a bill himself.

How a Bill Becomes a Law Resolutions Simple resolution is an expression of opinion on procedural matters. Concurrent resolution settles issues on procedure without involving the president.

How a Bill Becomes a Law Resolutions Joint resolution is a formal expression of opinion, which must be approved by both houses and the president.

How a Bill Becomes a Law Government Divided government occurs when the parties of the president and one or both of the houses is different.

How a Bill Becomes a Law Government Unified government occurs when the a single party dominates the presidency and both houses of Congress.

How a Bill Becomes a Law Government Earmarks is special “hidden” provisions that prevents groups, people , or projects from being taxed.

How a Bill Becomes a Law Committee function The House All bills that raise revenue must begin here. All appropriation bills must begin here.

How a Bill Becomes a Law Committee function Referral Types Multiple referral allows a bill to go to several committees at the same time. Sequential referral means that a bill will travel to different committees after a committee has completed it.

How a Bill Becomes a Law Committee function Discharge Petition This can be done if a bill is stalled in a committee. In the House it requires 218 members to discharge it. It is rarely done in the Senate since bills almost always make it to the floor for debate.

How a Bill Becomes a Law House Debate Closed Rule It sets a strict time limit on debate. It forbids any amendment to the bill, unless offered by the sponsoring committee.

How a Bill Becomes a Law House Debate Open Rule permits amendments from the floor. Restrictive Rule permits some amendments but not others.

How a Bill Becomes a Law House Debate Wednesday Calendar Rule It allows the House to bypass the Rules Committee. Committee material is addressed alphabetically by committee. A resolution must be completed in one day or it goes back to committee.

How a Bill Becomes a Law House Debate Quorum means that a minimum of 100 members must be present to conduct floor business. Quorum call is the calling of roll to find out if enough members are present.

How a Bill Becomes a Law House Debate Riders (attachments unrelated to the bill) may not be added in the House.

How a Bill Becomes a Law Senate Debate They may add riders (appropriation bills are the only exception to the rule). Double-tracking is the term used when a bill is shelved so other business can be addressed.

How a Bill Becomes a Law Methods of Voting Voice Vote is done by “yea” or “nay.” Division Vote is done by standing and being counted, names are not recorded.

How a Bill Becomes a Law Methods of Voting Teller Vote means that a clerk writes down the name of the voter. Roll-call Vote is when “yea” or “nay” is used and the names are recorded

Reducing Power and Perks Pork-barrel legislation are bills that have tangible benefits. Franking privilege allows a congressman’s facsimile signature (frank) to be used as postage.