Chapter 9 Congress American Government Policy Politics Eighth

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Chapter 9 Congress American Government: Policy & Politics, Eighth Edition TANNAHILL Pearson Education, Inc.

Chapter 9 Congress American Government: Policy & Politics, Eighth Edition TANNAHILL Pearson Education, Inc. , Longman © 2006

In This Chapter We Will Cover: • • Bicameralism Membership Organization Development of the

In This Chapter We Will Cover: • • Bicameralism Membership Organization Development of the modern Congress • The legislative process • Analyzing the legislative process Pearson Education, Inc. , Longman © 2006

Bicameralism • Bicameralism is the division of the legislative branch of government into two

Bicameralism • Bicameralism is the division of the legislative branch of government into two chambers. The United States’ bicameral system is composed of a Senate and a House of Representatives. Pearson Education, Inc. , Longman © 2006

U. S. Bicameralism • Senate • House of Representatives – Since 1911, there have

U. S. Bicameralism • Senate • House of Representatives – Since 1911, there have been 435 voting members in the U. S. House. – The size of a state’s delegation depends on the state’s population. – Each state elects two senators. – Originally senators were selected by state legislatures; however, since the ratification of the 17 th Amendment (1913) senators are popularly elected. – Senators serve six-year terms. – Terms of the membership are staggered. Pearson Education, Inc. , Longman © 2006

Membership • Profile of the membership – The 109 th (2005) Congress is ethnically

Membership • Profile of the membership – The 109 th (2005) Congress is ethnically quite diverse. • Diversity in the House – – – 65 women 42 African Americans 24 Latinos 3 Asian Americans 1 Native American, 1 Asian Indian American, 2 openly gay men, and 1 lesbian • Senate diversity – – 14 women 2 Asian Americans 2 Latinos One African American Pearson Education, Inc. , Longman © 2006

Membership – Members of Congress are older, richer, and better educated than the average

Membership – Members of Congress are older, richer, and better educated than the average Americans. • The average in the House is 54, in the Senate it is 60. • At least 50 members are worth over $2. 5 million. • In 2005, almost every member of Congress was a college graduate. Pearson Education, Inc. , Longman © 2006

Membership • Compensation – Rank and file members of Congress make $158, 000. –

Membership • Compensation – Rank and file members of Congress make $158, 000. – In 1989, lawmakers get an annual cost of living raise unless both the House and Senate vote to block it. • Personal Styles – Traditionally the job of a member of Congress was viewed as a career. – Today many members see serving in Congress as a stepping stone to higher office. • Membership Turnover – While incumbents are rarely defeated, turnover is relatively high. Pearson Education, Inc. , Longman © 2006

Organization • Senate Leadership – Senate president pro tempore – Senate Majority Leader •

Organization • Senate Leadership – Senate president pro tempore – Senate Majority Leader • House Leadership – Speaker of the House – House Majority Leader Pearson Education, Inc. , Longman © 2006

Organization • Committee and Subcommittee Organization – Standing committees are permanent committees with authority

Organization • Committee and Subcommittee Organization – Standing committees are permanent committees with authority to draft legislation in a particular area. – Select committees are established for a limited time only. – Joint committees include members from both houses of Congress. Pearson Education, Inc. , Longman © 2006

The Development of the Modern Congress • Pre-Civil War – Congress was a part-time

The Development of the Modern Congress • Pre-Civil War – Congress was a part-time legislative body, normally meeting for less than six months per year. • Civil War to 1910 s – Congress became a professional body. – Leadership and committees became more important. • 1910 s to 1970 s – Congress grew very decentralized. – Committees and chairs became autonomous power centers. Pearson Education, Inc. , Longman © 2006

The Development of the Modern Congress • Mid-1970 s – Critics charged Congress had

The Development of the Modern Congress • Mid-1970 s – Critics charged Congress had become undemocratic by relying heavily on seniority and party affiliation. – Critics also objected to the use of unrecorded votes and deal making outside of the public eye. – Reforms in the 70 s made Congress more open, representative, and democratic, but also less efficient. • Since 1970 s – Steps have been taken to modify the impact of the 70 s reforms. Pearson Education, Inc. , Longman © 2006

The Legislative Process • Origin and Introduction – In 2003, members of Congress introduced

The Legislative Process • Origin and Introduction – In 2003, members of Congress introduced 7, 014 bills and resolutions. • A bill is a proposed law. • A resolution is a legislative statement of opinion on a certain matter. Pearson Education, Inc. , Longman © 2006

The Legislative Process • Committee and Subcommittee Action – Once a bill or resolution

The Legislative Process • Committee and Subcommittee Action – Once a bill or resolution is introduced, it is assigned a number and referred to committee. Pearson Education, Inc. , Longman © 2006

The Legislative Process Pearson Education, Inc. , Longman © 2006

The Legislative Process Pearson Education, Inc. , Longman © 2006

The Legislative Process (continued) Pearson Education, Inc. , Longman © 2006

The Legislative Process (continued) Pearson Education, Inc. , Longman © 2006

The Legislative Process • Floor Action – The process for moving measures from committee

The Legislative Process • Floor Action – The process for moving measures from committee to the floor varies, depending on the type of measure. • Appropriation bills are legislative authorizations to spend money. Sometimes the leadership brings these bills to the floor after little or no committee consideration • Most measures in the House go to the Rules Committee after having cleared standing committees. The Rules Committee determines the rules under which a bill can be debated, amended, etc. Pearson Education, Inc. , Longman © 2006

Floor Action • Senate • House – The Speaker has tremendous power because of

Floor Action • Senate • House – The Speaker has tremendous power because of control over the Rules Committee. • The Speaker personally picks a majority of the members on the Rules Committee. • Once a measure reaches the House floor, debate is typically very tightly structured. – Measures can reach the floor by a unanimous consent agreement. – Nongermane amendments are allowed, when they stop a bill they are called killer amendments. – Filibusters can delay a vote indefinitely, unless cloture is invoked. Pearson Education, Inc. , Longman © 2006

Floor Action • Conference Committee Action – Conference committees negotiate differences between House and

Floor Action • Conference Committee Action – Conference committees negotiate differences between House and Senate versions of legislation. – Though rarely used, conference committees are typical for major legislation. • Presidential Action – A veto is refusal to approve. – Pocket vetoes allow a measure to die without signature after Congress has adjourned. Pearson Education, Inc. , Longman © 2006

Analyzing the Legislative Process • Political Ideology – The personal views of members of

Analyzing the Legislative Process • Political Ideology – The personal views of members of Congress have a major impact on legislative policymaking. • Political Party – Has its greatest influence on close votes, procedural votes, and matters that party leaders identify as key. • Constituency – Most members of Congress believe that they have a responsibility to “vote their district. ” Pearson Education, Inc. , Longman © 2006

Analyzing the Legislative Process • Leadership – Having few formal powers, congressional leaders must

Analyzing the Legislative Process • Leadership – Having few formal powers, congressional leaders must resort to bargaining and persuasion. • Interest Groups – Groups hope to gain access to gather information so they can determine the impact of propose policy. • The White House – The president is a key player in congressional policymaking. Presidents use their influence to round up votes on the floor. Pearson Education, Inc. , Longman © 2006

Concluding Review Questions • How have the differences in constitutional structures and responsibilities of

Concluding Review Questions • How have the differences in constitutional structures and responsibilities of the House and Senate affected the development of the two chambers? • Does the membership of Congress reflect the diversity of American society? • How are party leaders chosen and what role do they play in the legislative process? Pearson Education, Inc. , Longman © 2006

Concluding Review Questions • How are committees organized? • What are the steps in

Concluding Review Questions • How are committees organized? • What are the steps in the legislative process? • How much influence do interest groups have in the legislative process? • What role does Congress play in the policymaking process? Pearson Education, Inc. , Longman © 2006

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