1. The Legislative Branch of the United States Government
CONGRESS
The Legislative Branch of the United States Government

2. Important Constitutional Facts
Framers intended legislative process to be cautious and deliberate bicameral leg.
In original Constitution, only House of Reps came close to popular democracy
“Necessary and Proper” clause
Has helped define the nature of FEDERALISM
Allows national government to extend powers beyond enumerated powers

3. The Senate Reflects FEDERALISM President of Senate Vice-President
Fewer formal rules on debate than House
Filibuster: lengthy debates on bills
Cloture motion: cuts off debate on bill (60)
No germane rule on Senate amendments

4. The House of Representatives
Provides approximately equal representation for every voter
Rules Committee controls lawmaking
Calendar, debate time, amendment types
Debate more restricted than Senate
Amendment process more restricted
Committees more important in House because House is so large

5. Committees
Most bills introduced in House and Senate are referred to committee but never sent to full Congress they DIE
Standing:
permanent subject-matter committees
Fosters development of expertise by members
oversee bureaucracy’s implementation of laws
Subcommittee: work out details of bills
Conference: reconcile differences in House and Senate versions of bills
Committee chairs are ALWAYS members of majority party

6. Politics of Congress
Legislative process is lengthy, with compromises and bargaining
Riders, earmarks, logrolling, etc.
Congressmen communicate with constituents through personal staffs (10,000)
Lobbyists influence politics by:
Sending PAC money to key committee members
Meeting informally with Congressional aides
Bringing influential constituents to Washington

7. Elections
Boundaries of Congressional districts determined by state legislatures
Incumbency # 1 factor in elections
“Pork barrel” legislation gains Congressman reputation for service to district
1992 election saw increase in number of minorities and women