U S Congress Structure and Powers Powers of

U. S. Congress: Structure and Powers

Powers of Congress • Enumerated powers – Powers expressly granted to Congress in the Constitution • Examples: Levy taxes, regulate interstate commerce • Expanded powers – Necessary and Proper Clause – Commerce Clause – Spending Clause

Functions of Congress • Lawmaking – How does a bill become a law? – Logrolling • Service to constituents – Casework – Representation • Oversight • Educating the public

House-Senate Differences • • Representation based on population Constituencies Length of term Impeachment vs. Conviction Limited debate vs. filibuster Advise and consent Party loyalty

Leadership Structure House • Speaker of House – Dennis Hastert (R-IL) • Majority Leader – Tom De. Lay (R-TX) • Minority Leader – Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) • Majority Whip – Roy Blunt (R-MO) • Minority Whip – Steny Hoyer (D-MD) Senate • President – Dick Cheney (VP) • President Pro-Tempore – Ted Stevens (R-AK) • Majority Leader – Bill Frist (R-TN) • Minority Leader – Tom Daschle (D-SD) • Majority Whip – Mitch Mc. Connell (R-KY) • Minority Whip – Harry Reid (D-NV)

Committee Structure Committee structure divides legislative labor through specialization • Standing Committees • Select Committees • Conference Committees • Joint Committees • Committee chairmen used to be determined by seniority now these are partisan decisions

Fenno’s Paradox

Public’s Evaluation of Congress

Public’s Evaluation of Congress