1. Congress performs it’s functions
Lesson 22

2. Lesson Objectives
Describe the role of rules, committees and political parties in the organization and operation of Congress.
You should be able to describe the process through which proposed legislation becomes law.
You should be able to identify the primary sources on which members of Congress rely for information in the lawmaking process and to explain the importance of Congress’s inherent power to investigate.
You should also be able to explain why compromise is required in the deliberative process.
Take, evaluate and defend positions on how Congress functions and whether it should streamline it’s procedures.

3. How do committees and rules help Congress do it’s work?
Standing – permanent
Ad hoc
Committee assignment shape the careers of representatives and senators.
Make on site visits
Conduct personal investigations

4. Rules House rules, specify the size of committees.
Specify jurisdiction of committees.
Specify which bills will be handled by each committee
House limits number limits on those who are allowed on committees as well as term limits for chairmen
Important bills may require special rules for debate
Senate rules are informal
Senators more independent – originally ambassadors from their states.
Filibuster – Refusal to yield to prevent a vote
Cloture rule – limit debate –bring about vote

5. Political Parties
Encourage members to adhere to party policies and platforms
Party control traditionally stronger in House, than Senate
Seniority – determines positions
Length of service
Party loyalty
Committee chairs – two year terms

6. Who leads the House and Senate
Speaker of the House -- Most powerful office in Congress
Controls committee appointments
Chairs the Rules Committee aka Traffic Cop of the House
Decides what bills will come to the floor and the rules of debate
Decentralized committee leadership
Occasionally members will rebel under a strong leader
Place power in the hands of committee chairmen
Political Party Control
Strong speaker who represents the majority party, rather than the House as a whole

7. Senate Control Led by the Vice President
Can only cast votes during a tie
In his/her absence President Pro Tempore runs the Senate
Less formal than House

8. What roles do majority rule and compromise plain in deliberations
Enacting laws is complicated
Bills
Resolutions – express sentiments or address procedural rules
Joint Resolution – introduced in both chambers at the same time
If signed, has the force of law
Concurrent Resolution – expresses sentiment, but does not have the power of law

9. I’m Just a Bill
Can begin in either house – except revenue bills – they must originate in the House.
SB or HB and Numbered
Committee Assignment
Could be referred to a subcommittee
Once assigned – committee holds hearings
Deliberation
Mark up sessions – members review the bill and modify if necessary – recommend the bill for “Do Pass”
Subcommittees refer the bills back to the committee
Bills can be amended
Report
Favorable report – sent to full chamber in either original form or with amendments

10. I’m Just a Bill
Floor Vote –Placed on the calendar for vote by the full house
Referral to the other chamber
Conference Committee – ensure they are exact form.
Referral to the President for signature or veto
Pocket Veto – President does not sign within 10 days – Congress Adjourns – Bills dies

11. Where do members of congress get ideas for legislation and information?
Executive Branch: State of the Union
Executive Departments and agencies
Constituents
Interest Groups
Lobbyists
Well-informed
Knowledgeable
Organized
Cooperative