Organization of Congress

Speaker of the House Is the elected presiding officer of the House and the leader of the Majority Party. The Speaker of the House is the most powerful member within the Halls of Congress. Is expected to aid the fortunes of his party and its legislative goals. Duties of the Speaker Presides over most Sessions of Congress Interprets and applies rules Refers bills to Committees Rules on points of order (questions on house procedures) Puts motions to vote Names members to all select and conference committees. The Speaker is 3rd in the line of succession to the presidency.

John Boehner Present Speaker of the House. Republican from Ohio

Joe Biden President of the Senate Democrat from Delaware

President of the Senate Is the Senate’s presiding officer. The Senate does not decide their presiding officer. The Senate’s presiding officer is not apart of the Senate and can be of a different party than the majority. Duties of the President of the Senate Recognizing members Put questions to a vote Breaks a tie

President pro tempore Serves as the President of the Senate in the Vice President’s absence. This member is elected by the Senate and always a member of the majority party. The President pre tempore is 4th in the line of succession to the presidency. Orrin Hatch (R) Utah

Party Officers Party Caucus Floor Leaders Is a closed meeting of the members of each party in each house. Meets on occasion during sessions of Congress They often deal with party organization, such as selection of leaders and deciding committee membership. Floor Leaders The Majority and Minority leaders in both houses and they are the most important officers in Congress. They try to carry out the decisions of their parties’ and they are the chief spokesman for their parties.

House Floor Leaders

Senate Floor Leaders

Whips Assistant floor leaders Chosen by their party caucus They Check with party leaders and inform the leaders how many votes can be counted on in particular manners. Makes sure that all members are present for a vote and they vote with the leadership.

Majority Whips

Minority Whips

Committee Chairmen Members of Congress that head the committees in each chamber. They are chosen from the majority party by the party caucus. They decide when the committees meet, bills they will take up, public hearings, and which witnesses will be called.

Seniority Rule An unwritten custom that provides that the most important posts, in the party organization will be held by those members that have the longest records of service in Congress. Most strictly applied to Committee Chairs.

Standing Committee These are the permanent panels that have been set up. These Committees are always present. Most Important House Committees Rules Ways and Means Appropriations Armed Services Judiciary International Relations Agriculture committees Most Important Senate Committees Foreign Relations Finance Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs

Select Committee Panels that are set up for a specific purpose and most often for a limited amount of time. Bengahzi Steroids in Baseball Concussions in Football Watergate Investigation

Joint Committee Committee that is comprised of both the House and Senate.

Conference Committee Is a temporary joint body to iron out the differences in a bill. Must create a compromise bill that both Houses must accept

p 321 Why are most of the votes on opening day only formalities? Because the various officers have already been chosen by conference beforehand.

p 323 How does the role of Speaker differ from the role of the president of the Senate? The Speaker has more powerful role, as elected presiding officer of the House and leader of the majority party.

p 327 What are the benefits and drawbacks of the seniority rule? Ensures experienced leaders and easy to apply Drawbacks Ignores younger members and encourages favoritism.

What are the duties of the Whip? The party whips assist the floor leaders and serve as liaisons between the party’s leadership and its members. They help arrange and track voting and member attendance.

What is the purpose of the party caucus? The party caucus selects floor leaders and deals with other matters of party organization.

p 330 What considerations might lead a member of congress to want to serve on a particular committee? Personal background; importance or influence of the committee.

What is a standing committee and why are such committees called “subject-matter” committees? Are permanent panels; because they deal only with bills that concern a particular subject matter.

What is the usual role of select committees in the House and Senate? They are set up to investigate specific current matters for a limited amount of time; they usually investigate new laws, determine the adequacy of old ones, and exercise Congress’s oversight function.

Quick Write Should positions of power in both houses be determined by Seniority Rule or by merit?