US Congress
,2.1
The Structure of Congress
Congress is bicameral, meaning it has two chambers: the house of representatives and the
senate. This was agreed upon at the constitutional convention in 1787 to balance the
interests of large and small states.
House
The house is made up of 435 members who represent congressional districts and serve
two year terms.
Senate
There are 100 Senators, two for every state. One third are up for election at the midterms,
and each senator serves a six year term.
2.1.1 Distribution of Powers
The constitution grants congress “all legislative powers”, and these are divided up into
exclusive and concurrent powers.
Exclusive powers (only one chamber can utilise)
In the house: Proposing money bills, impeaching the President, elect president if electoral
college ties
Senate: Confirming presidential cabinet picks and judicial appointments, ratifying
treaties, electing VP in the case of a tie
Concurrent powers (shared)
Passing legislation, overriding vetoes, declaring war
, 2.2
The Functions of Congress
Congress has three primary functions: representation, legislation, and oversight.
2.2.1 Representation
How members "look out" for their constituents is central to their survival.
- Incumbency: Current officeholders have a huge advantage (often >90% re-election
rates). Factors include gerrymandering, name recognition, fundraising ability, and
"pork-barrel" politics (bringing federal money to their district).
Voting Behaviour:
- Parties/Caucuses: Party discipline is high, but "blue dog" Democrats or "Freedom
Caucus" Republicans can break ranks.
- Constituency: Members must balance national interests with what the folks back
home want.
- Lobbyists/Pressure Groups: Groups like the NRA or AARP provide funding and
information, influencing votes.
2.2.2 Legislative Function
The process is designed to be difficult, ensuring only bills with broad consensus pass.
The Process:
Introduction → Committee stage (where most bills die) → Timetabling → Floor debate
→Conference committee (to reconcile differences) → Presidential action.
Key Differences: The Senate allows for the filibuster (talking a bill to death) and requires
unanimous consent to move quickly. The House is more structured and ruled by the
Speaker.
Strengths of the Legislative Process
,2.1
The Structure of Congress
Congress is bicameral, meaning it has two chambers: the house of representatives and the
senate. This was agreed upon at the constitutional convention in 1787 to balance the
interests of large and small states.
House
The house is made up of 435 members who represent congressional districts and serve
two year terms.
Senate
There are 100 Senators, two for every state. One third are up for election at the midterms,
and each senator serves a six year term.
2.1.1 Distribution of Powers
The constitution grants congress “all legislative powers”, and these are divided up into
exclusive and concurrent powers.
Exclusive powers (only one chamber can utilise)
In the house: Proposing money bills, impeaching the President, elect president if electoral
college ties
Senate: Confirming presidential cabinet picks and judicial appointments, ratifying
treaties, electing VP in the case of a tie
Concurrent powers (shared)
Passing legislation, overriding vetoes, declaring war
, 2.2
The Functions of Congress
Congress has three primary functions: representation, legislation, and oversight.
2.2.1 Representation
How members "look out" for their constituents is central to their survival.
- Incumbency: Current officeholders have a huge advantage (often >90% re-election
rates). Factors include gerrymandering, name recognition, fundraising ability, and
"pork-barrel" politics (bringing federal money to their district).
Voting Behaviour:
- Parties/Caucuses: Party discipline is high, but "blue dog" Democrats or "Freedom
Caucus" Republicans can break ranks.
- Constituency: Members must balance national interests with what the folks back
home want.
- Lobbyists/Pressure Groups: Groups like the NRA or AARP provide funding and
information, influencing votes.
2.2.2 Legislative Function
The process is designed to be difficult, ensuring only bills with broad consensus pass.
The Process:
Introduction → Committee stage (where most bills die) → Timetabling → Floor debate
→Conference committee (to reconcile differences) → Presidential action.
Key Differences: The Senate allows for the filibuster (talking a bill to death) and requires
unanimous consent to move quickly. The House is more structured and ruled by the
Speaker.
Strengths of the Legislative Process
