US Congress Leadership Roles

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Majority Leader

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The leader of the party with the most seats in Congress. They speak for the party on important issues, create legislative strategies, and plan for their party. Both the House and the Senate have a Majority Leader.

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Majority Party

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In Congress, the political party whose members control each chamber.

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Minority Leader

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The leader of the party with fewer seats. They have the same responsibilities to their party as a Majority Leader. Both the House and the Senate have a Minority Leader.

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President of the Senate

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The Vice President of the United States serves as the President of the Senate. They run sessions of the Senate but cannot participate in debates and can vote only when there is a tie.

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President Pro Tempore

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An officer of the Senate who presides over the chamber when the Vice President is unable to do so. This officer is a member of the majority party, usually its most senior member, and is third in line for the presidency after the Speaker of the House.

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Speaker of the House

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The presiding officer of the House of Representatives, usually a member of the majority party. This person presides over the House, guides legislation, leads floor debates, appoints members to committees, schedules bills for action, and is next in line for the presidency after the Vice President.