Congressional Evolution

Congress vs. Parliament

Centralization vs. Decentralization Speedy and Decisive Periods in History Enhances the power of congressional leadership More power to the political parties Delay and Discussion Overall trend Enhances power of individual members Less power to political parties Periods of centralization usually focus around strong central leaders

Senate Not many changes Major change Selection of Senators State legislations vs. direct election 17th Amendment in 1913 after decades of debate The Filibuster

Gone through numerous changes in leadership and organization The House Gone through numerous changes in leadership and organization

The House Phase 1: founding – late 1820’s House was clearly the most powerful institution in the gov’t legislation passed at breakneck speed during this time period Presidential veto rarely used

The House Phase 2: late 1820’s – late 1800’s Powerful executive in Jackson Issue of slavery Civil War and Reconstruction In times of crisis the executive branch tends to dominate

The House Phase 3: late 1800’s – 1911 Thomas Reed (R) Maine Powerful speaker 1889 Selected chairmen and members for all committees Chaired the Rules Committee Joseph Cannon (R) Illinois

The House Phase 4: 1911 – 1960’s Cannon stripped of certain powers These powers went to the party caucuses, the Rules Committee, and other committee chairmen

The House Phase 5: mid-1960’s – mid-1990’s Committee Reform Power taken away from committee chairmen Committee chairmen needed to be elected not appointed based on seniority Power spread around

The House Phase 6: 1995 - ? Efforts to restore power to the Speaker Reduction in Committees Newt Gingrich Nancy Pelosi Boehner and the House Republicans ????