Chapter 12

What is the legislative process?

Introduction. A member of the House of Representatives or the Senate formally proposes the bill. Committee Review. Subgroup within the House and the Senate, composed of legislators who have expertise in the bill's subject matter, review the bill. House and the Senate approval. If the bill makes is out of the committee, a majority of members in the House and the Senate must approve it. Conference Committee reconciliation. The Conference Committee reconciles the bill when different versions have passed in the House and the Senate. Presidential approval. If the president signs the bill, it becomes law. But even after this arduous process, a presidential veto can kill the bill.

How does each branch check the other branches?

Oversight is the process by which Congress "checks" the executive branch to ensure that the laws Congress passes are being administered in keeping with legislators' intentions. Congressional oversight is a check on the executive branch because the federal bureaucracy that implements laws is part of the executive branch.

What are the effects of the following groups in legislative decision making: Political parties? Colleagues and Staff? Interest groups The President Constituents Functions of Congress (expand): Represent Make policy Check the executive Agenda setting Manage societal conflict

Political parties? The partisan breakdown of Congress is important because most major legislative votes cast are "party votes," meaning that most members of one political party vote one way, and most members of the other party vote the other way. Colleagues and Staff? Provide cues for members of the House and the Senate in their decision making over whether to vote for a pending piece of legislation. Members may seek the opinions of the like-minded colleagues in determining how to vote on a proposed bill. In addition, legislators may consult with peers who are policy experts. Interest groups? They can affect electoral outcomes, for example, through and endorsement process by which a group notifies its members that it backs a certain candidate in the hope that members get on the bandwagon and express their support at the polls. The President? Determines whether to sign or to veto legislation that reaches his desk. But often, before a bill reaches the signing stage, the president's position on it carries enough influence to sway members of Congress, particularly members of his political party, to vote for or against the proposed legislation. Constituents? The people whom the members of Congress represent-- wield perhaps the strongest, if indirect, influence with respect to congressional decision-making.

Why do incumbents often win re-election?

Several factors make it more likely that someone already in office will be returned to that office in a reelection bid: Stronger name recognition: Having run for election before and served in government, incumbents tend to be better known than challengers are. Easier access to media coverage: Media outlets routinely publicize the activities of elected congressional officials, rationalizing that they are covering the institution of Congress rather than the individuals Non-Incumbent challengers face an uphill battle in trying to get coverage of their campaigns, Campaign contributions: Political action committees individuals are interested in a supporting candidates who will be in a position to help them once the election is over. Because donors are aware of the high reelection rate of incumbent candidates, incumbents garner and enormous proportion of contribution, sometimes as much as 80 percent any given congressional election year. Casework: When an incumbent personally helps constituents solve problems with the federal bureaucracy, the resulting loyalty and good word-of-mouth reputation help to attract support for that candidate during a run for reelection. Franking: The privilege of sending mail free of charge is known as franking. Federal law allows members of Congress free mailings to every household in their state or congressional district. These mailing make it easy for members of Congress to stay in touch with their constituencies throughout their tenure in office.

Who is the leader in the House? What is their role as leader?

The Speaker of the House is the leader, the speaker serves as the presiding officer and manager of the House.

Which branch of government was created to represent the people?

House of Representatives