U.S. Government ( Congress)
What role do political parties play in the distribution of congressional power?
Drafting bills and getting them through. the reliance of candidates/members of Congress on 'special interests' for their re-elections.
What are some of the types of committees?
Standing Committee, Special Committee, Joint Committee
Describe some of the main differences between the House and the (Senate)?
- Six year terms, Approves treaties, Comprises 100 members (2 from each state), Members are becoming more specialized; debate and deliberations less frequent Turnover is moderate
What is the organizational structure of Congress? (House)
Majority Party, Speaker of the House, The Majority Leader, Majority Whip,Minority Party,Minority Leaders,The Minority Whip.
What is the organizational structure of Congress? (Senate)
The President of the Senate which is the Vice President, The President Pro Tempore, The Senate Majority, The Majority Whip, Minority Leaders, The Minority Whip.
. Which house of Congress has more authority over the executive branch?
The Senate. The Senate approves presidential appointments.
What are some of the leadership positions in both houses, and what are their functions?
The main function of the Majority and Minority Whips is to gather votes on major issues. Each party elects a floor leader, who works to decide what legislation their party should support.
Describe how Congress exercises its checks and balances over the executive branch.
They can override a presidential veto. Congress has the power of the purse. Congress is responsible for passing a budget and allocating funds to government projects and institutions, and so (theoretically) the executive branch is limited to the discretionary funds it was granted in the last budget.
Describe some of the main differences between the (House) and the Senate?
Two-year terms, Comprises 435 members( appointed by population), Initiates impeachment procedures, The procedures are becoming more efficient, with less debate and fewer amendments.