1. Congress: Organization & Operation
Comparing the House and Senate
Constitutional differences
Operational differences
Organizing Congress
Leadership
Committees
Who represents you?
The Legislative Function

2. Comparing Institutions
House
Senate
Power is centralized and hierarchical
Seniority more influential
Stronger formal leadership
Less personal
More specializes
Tax Policy Emphasis
Power is decentralized
Power distribution is more equal
More personal
Fewer rule restrictions
Policy Generalists
Foreign Policy Emphasis

3. T7-

4. Current House Leadership
John Boehner (R-OH) Speaker of the House Eric Cantor (R-VA) Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) Majority Leader Democratic (Minority) Leader

5. Current Senate Leadership
Vice President Biden Patrick Leahy (D-VT)
President of the Senate President Pro Tempore
Harry Reid (D-NV) Mitch McConnell (R-KY)
Majority Leader Minority Leader
Richard Durbin (D-IL) John Cornyn (R-TX)
Majority Whip Minority Whip

7. Kill Bill: Legislative Success in Congress