1. Congress Organizes Every 2 years Congress convenes and begins a new term on January 3 rd. There are 435 members in the House of Representatives. They all convene on January 3 rd to begin a new term. The Clerk of the House in the proceeding term presides over the first day’s sessions—calls the chamber to order and takes roll.

2. The House Organizes The members then elect the new speaker of the House—to be the permanent presiding officer. The speaker is a long standing member of the majority party in the House. The Dean of the House administers the oath to the speaker. Next the House elects the clerk, sergeant at arms, chaplain, and chief administrative officer. The House adopts the rules that will govern its proceedings throughout the term. The members of the 19 permanent committees of the House are appointed by floor vote.

3. First Day at the Senate Unlike the House the Senate is a continuous body. Only one-third is up for re-election every two years. Newly elected and re-elected members are sworn in. Vacancies in Senate committees are filled. Minor details attended to.

4. The State of the Union Address Every year the President delivers the State of the Union Address. This is required by the Constitution. Woodrow Wilson in 1913 was the first to present it orally. The President reports on the state of the country as he/she sees it—both foreign and domestic issues. Now message is on national television—live. The President outlines his/her goals for the country.

5. The Speaker of the House He/she is the most important figure in the House—elected head of the House and presiding officer of the political party with majority of seats. Speaker is expected to be fair and judicious. He/she is expected to preside and maintain order. He interprets and applies the rules, refers Bills to committee, puts motions to vote, etc. The speaker only votes to break a tie—when he/she does must appoint a temporary speaker to serve. He/she is 3 rd in line in presidential succession.

6. The President of the Senate The Vice President is the president of the Senate. He/she is not elected by nor is he/she a member of the Senate—may or may not even be a member of the party that controls the Senate. Only influence is due to relationships with senators. Al Gore—Vice President under President Clinton—was a Senator from Tennessee. The President Pro Tempore is the presiding officer of the Senate who serves in the vice president’s absence—elected by the Senate and a member of the majority party. President Pro Tem follows the Speaker of the House in presidential line of succession.