Chapter 2.2 Flashcards
How do the structures, powers, and functions of Congress affect the policy-making process?
Speaker of the House
The highest power in the House. It is the only House position in the Constitution. They have lots of power and are very influential in Congress.
Whip
In charge of part discipline and makes sure that people behave properly. They can also force people to step down.
President of the Senate
The Vice President of the US. They are rarely at meetings, it’s an inactive role. They break ties in the Senate.
President Pro Tempore
Temporary president, mainly a ceremonial position. They are vice president if there is a vacancy. Initiates new senators and signs bills.
Senate Majority Leader
More power than the president/pro temp. They are the first person recognized in debate. Sways the opinion of the Senate and is the chief legislature.
Structure of the House
> Majority Leader >
Majority Whip
House >
Minority Leader > Minority
Whip
Structure of the Senate
Majority Leader > Majority
Whip
Senate > Vice President > President Pro Temp >
Minority Leader > Minority
Whip
Committes
Smaller groups of people who face hard issues and pass laws.
Standing Committes
Permanent committees that face specific policy issues.
Ways and Means Committee
A House committee that deals with taxes.
Joint Committes
House and Senate members
Select Committes
Temporary committees for special purpose.
Conference Committee
Temporary committee created to help fix differences with a bill. Senate and House members.
Germane
Amendment to bill that is directly related to legislation under consideration.
Rules Committee
House committee that acts as a “traffic cop.” Very powerful committee. Decides how rules/amendments can be passed. Will of the House.
Committee of the Whole
House committee that allows longer debates with fewer people. Any representative can join.
Discharge Position
Helps to pass bills and needs a majority to pass. It stops the minority from killing a bill.
Filibuster
Senate procedure where a Senator speaks for a very long time to stop a bill from passing.
Unanimous Consent
Approval of all Senators
Hold
Measure to stall bill. One senator can stop a bill from passing if unanimous consent is needed.
Cloture Rule (Rule 22)
2/3 supermajority can stop debate (and filibusters). After cloture, each senator can talk for an hour.
Sponsor
Whoever introduces a bill and takes responsibility for it.
Riders
Nongermane amendments to bill. They can bring up success chances of the bill.
Omnibus Bill
Applies to multiple law areas/programs. They an have a lot of riders.
Pork-Barrel Spending
Funds for a specific purpose in legislature’s district.
Logrolling
Trading votes to get support for a bill.
Mandatory Spending
Payment required by law for programs.
Discretionary Spending
Funding that Congress members decide how to divide.
