1. Congress explained

2. Organisation Congress is Bicameral
The Senate consists of 2 Senators from each of the 50 states
The House of Representatives has 435 members
Elected from congressional districts of about equal population
Every State must have at least 1 seat
Alabama 7 House Seats
Delaware 1 House Seat
New York 34 House Seats

3. Party Structure The Democrats and Republicans
These two dominate the process – Party with most seats is the MAJORITY party, those with the least MINORITY
Before each new session the parties meet in a CAUCUS or a conference to choose party leaders and consider legislative issues and plans

4. Committees Committees prepare the bills to be voted on
The system divides the work of processing legislation, enabling members to specialise.
The majority party elects the Head of each Committee
Also the majority party holds the most seats on the Committees

5. Role of the Vice-President
The Head of the Senate
Actually only appears on special occasions or to cast a vote, if there is a tie in the House
The Senate normally elects a pro-tempore to serve in the V-P’s absence
The Speaker is very important, with broad powers

6. The Vote A new Congress is elected every 2 years
Voters elect all the representatives at this time, plus around 2/3rds of the Senate
The Senate is a continuing body as it is never completely new

7. Which House is most powerful?
Technically equal
Could be argued that the Senate’s responsibilities re: Treaties and ratification of appointments gives it greater authority
House has revenue raising powers, but Senate has full amendment powers
Presidential candidates tend to come from the Senate – greater media coverage etc.

8. Continued….
A senators 6 year term gives them a chance to acquire a working knowledge of their subjects. The Congressman’s 2 year term is too short
Senators elected by a whole state, not just a district of it
Politicians as a whole are held in low self esteem by Americans, those who have improved themselves through industry are much more impressive.