1. Organization of Congress
Chapter 6, Section 1 Notes

2. Terms and Sessions
New term begins on January 3, following election every 2 years.
Sessions can be set by members.
We are currently in the 112th Congress, 1st session

3. Quorum
A simple majority of members must be present for the House to conduct business.
Senate = 51
House = 218

4. Term Limits
There are no term limits for FEDERAL senators or representatives.
The state of Michigan does have limits in the STATE congress
Senators can serve 2 4-year terms
Representatives can serve 3 2-year terms

5. Incumbency Advantage
Incumbents (current office holders) have historically been re-elected at very high rates.
Since WWII, 90% of incumbents were successfully re- elected
Reasons:
Incumbents who are vulnerable often retire, rather than run for re-election
Name recognition
Experience

6. Congressional Leaders: Speaker of the House
John Boehner
Republican, Ohio
Most Influential position:
Names speakers on floor
Controls floor debates
Assigns legislation to committees
Appoints committees
2nd in line to succeed president

7. Congressional Leaders: House of Reps
Majority Leader:
Eric Canton (R-PA)
Minority Leader:
Nancy Pelosi (D-CA)

8. Congressional Leaders: House of Reps
Majority Whip:
Kevin McCarthy (R-CA)
Minority Whip:
Steny Hoyer (D-MD

9. What is the Whip? Counts the votes of party members
Keeps party members “focused” on short and long term goals

10. Congressional Leaders: Senate
President Pro Tempore:
Patrick Leahy (D-VT)
- Leader of Senate when VP is absent
- Highest ranking member of senate, voted in by members of senate- always comes from majority party
- 3rd in line to succeed President
President of the Senate:
Joe Biden (D)
- Only votes in the case of a tie

11. Congressional Leaders: Senate
Majority Leader:
Harry Reid (D-NV)
Minority Leader:
Mitch McConnell (R-KY)

12. Some would say Mr. McConnell resembles a turtle….

13. Congressional Leaders: Senate
Assistant Majority Leader (Whip):
Dick Durbin (D-IL)
Assistant Minority Leader (Whip):
John Cornyn (R-TX)