1. The Organization of Congress

2. Opening day House
Every two years all positions must be refilled.

3. Opening Day Senate
The Senate is a continuous body.

4. State of the Union
President’s speech presented to both houses of Congress.
Outlines presidential policy for the upcoming year

5. The Presiding officers
Speaker of the House- elected presiding officer
Leader of the majority
Duties:
1. to preside
2. keep order
Recognizes all speakers
3rd in line to President
Speaker of the House
John Boehner

6. The president pro tempore serves in the VP’s absence.
The President of the Senate- The Vice president is the president of the Senate.
The president pro tempore serves in the VP’s absence.
Longest serving member of the majority party.
4th in line to the presidency.
Dan Inouye – president pro tempore

7. Party officers
Party caucuses are closed meetings of the members of each party.
Floor leaders represent the majority and the minority party.
Are responsible for carrying out party decisions
Majority Leader – Eric Cantor
Minority Leader- Nancy Pelosi

8. Majority leader – 2nd most powerful member of congress
Whips- connect party with members and line up votes.
Kevin McCarthy- Majority Whip

9. Committee Chairmen Most work is done in committee
Chairmen are chosen from the majority party
Decide when to meet
What bills to discuss
Dave Camp- Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee

10. Seniority Rules
Unwritten custom followed closely in both the House and the Senate.