PARTY SYSTEM AND COMMITTEE SYSTEM AND THEIR SIGNIFICANCE WITHIN CONGRESS Flashcards
What is a caucus
A group of members of congress who work together to achieve legislative aims
What caucuses do republicans and democrats join
Republican/democrat house of senate caucus
Example of an ideological caucus
House Freedom Caucus represents conservative Republicans with a commitment to limited government
Example of a bipartisan caucus
Bipartisan Addiction and Mental Health Task Force
Example of a smaller caucus influencing government
In 2018 the House Freedom Caucus opposed Trump’s Budget and they had to rely on democrats to pass the bill
Who elects the party leader
The party caucus will elect the leader of that chamber - majority or minority leader
Who are the “Floor Leaders” in both chambers
Minority and majority leaders
Who is the most high-profile leadership in the house
The speaker
What does the speaker do
Presides over debates
Keeps order in the house
determines the legislative agenda in the house
Chooses members for committees
Who is the speaker second only to
The vice president
is party discipline usually weak or strong
Traditionally weak
Who decides who sits on the house rules committee
The speaker
When is party discipline most important
When a party lacks a significant majority
Example of good party unity
In the final years of trumps presidency when the senate leader mitch McConnell the republicans were very unified
Example of good party unity
In the final years of trumps presidency when the senate leader mitch McConnell the republicans were very unified
