1. The Legislative Branch
Congress

2. The Lawmakers 1. The Legislative Branch creates laws
1. It is also called “Congress”
2. Consists of two “houses”
1. Senate
2. House of Representatives
Sometimes called “The House”

3. House vs. Senate House of Representatives Senate
Larger, therefore individual members are less powerful
Senate
Smaller, therefore individual members are more powerful
Vs.

4. Important People: House
Speaker of the House
3rd in line of succession for the Presidency
Leader of the majority party (party with the most seats)
Presides over and keeps order in the House
Names members of committees
Signs all bills and resolutions passed by the House
John Boehner (R)
Speaker of the House

5. House con’t. Majority Leader Minority Leader Whips
2nd in Party (under Speaker)
Works with the Speaker to coordinate and maintain support for legislation
Works to advance the goals of the majority party
Minority Leader
Leader of minority party
Protects rights of the minority party to be heard
Works to advance the goals of the minority party
Whips
Assist leaders
Help promote party unity in voting
Eric Cantor (R)
House Maj. Ldr
Nancy Pelosi (D)
House Min. Ldr
Kevin McCarthy (R)
House Maj. Whip
Steny Hoyer (D)
House Min. Whip

6. Important People: Senate
President of the Senate
Vice President of the U.S.
Similar duties to Speaker of the House
Does not vote on bill unless there is a tie
Majority Leader
Serves as President Pro Tempore when V.P. is absent
Similar duties to House Maj. Ldr.
Minority Leader
Similar duties to House Min. Ldr
Whips
Similar duties to House whips
Joe Biden (D)
Vice President
Harry Reid (D)
Senate Maj. Ldr
Mitch McConnell (R)
Senate Min. Ldr