1. { Congress Congress

2. I. Reapportionment A. Every 10 years the nation conducts a census. B. The census determines how many representatives each state receives. (435 total)

3. C. Each state also draws new districts, know as redistricting D. This often leads to charges of gerrymandering, or the drawing of congressional districts that favor one of the parties.

4. II. The Committee System A.Standing Committees deal with proposed bills and are permanent. Examples: Banking, Foreign Affairs, Appropriations. B. Select Committees are specially created and conduct special investigations. Examples: Watergate, Iran-Contra

5. C. Joint Committees are made up of members of both houses for the purpose of coordinating investigations, special business or to expedite business between the two houses. D. Conference Committees resolve legislative differences between the houses.

6. III. Important Committees House Ways and Means Committee: responsible for appropriations measures. House Rules Committee: determines the order in which legislation reaches the floor. Senate Judiciary Committee: Makes recommendations regarding presidential judicial appointments.

7. IV. Policymaking A.Congress uses the power of congressional oversight to gather information, review operations and budgets of executive departments and independent regulatory agencies.

8. V. Overcoming gridlock A.Logrolling or “I’ll vote for yours if you vote for mine” B.Coalitions C.Consensus building