1. Chapter 5: The Organization of Congress

2. Rules for Lawmaking  “Each House may determine the Rules of its Proceedings.” (Art. 1 Section V)  Complex Rules Precedents serve as a guide to conducting business. House rules structured to move legislation quickly once it reaches the floor. Strong HR leaders

3. Rules of Lawmaking  Committee Work House committee work is more important than in the Senate. Committees study and shape bills Make work more efficient.  Party Affiliation Majority party selects leaders Controls flow of legislative work Appoints committee chairs

4. House Leadership  Speaker of the House (Art. 1 Sec. II) Presiding officer Chosen by majority party ○ Approved by entire House Strong power in House ○ Influence proceedings ○ Appoints some committee members ○ Schedules bills for action ○ *Third in line of presidential succession.

5. House Floor Leaders  Majority Leader Elected by majority party Helps plan legislative programs Helps steer important bills  Minority Leader Elected by minority party Attempts to direct minority votes  Whips Assistant floor leaders Persuade members to vote with party

6. Lawmaking in the House  Day-to-Day Most work done from Tues-Thurs  Scheduling Bills Bill is introduced (by any member) Speaker sends bill to committee ○ Only 10-20% go to the full House for a vote Then put on House calendars ○ Calendars: list bills up for consideration. ○ Union, House, Private, Consent, Discharge.

7. House Rules Committee  “Traffic Officer” in the house One of the oldest house committees Directs the flow of legislation Can hold bills, stop bills, or send bills ahead. Major bills reach floor by “rule” (special order) of Rules Committee Rules Committee settles disputes between other House Committees.

8. Quorum  Quorum: the minimum number of members who must be present to permit a legislative body to take official action.  In regular session, a quorum is 218 members.  Committee of the Whole 100 members constitutes a quorum This committee can’t pass bills, but reports back to full House.