Congressional Operations and Lawmaking

Congressional Operations and

Lawmaking

Introduction: Congress and Its

Organization

• Congress is the legislative branch of the U.S.
government
• It's divided into two chambers: the House of
Representatives and the Senate
• Rules, committees, and political parties play
crucial roles in how Congress operates
• By the end of this lesson, you'll understand
these key aspects and more

Checkpoint: Can you name the two chambers of
Congress?

Multiple Choice

Can you name the two chambers of Congress?

• House of Representatives and Senate
• House of Commons and House of Lords
• Senate and Assembly
• Congress and Parliament

Rules in Congress

• Rules are essential for maintaining order and efficiency in
Congress
• Each chamber has its own set of rules
• Examples of important rules:

- Debate time limits
- Voting procedures
- Bill introduction process

• Rules can be changed, but it's not easy to do so

Checkpoint: Why do you think rules are important in Congress?

Multiple Choice

Checkpoint: Why do you think rules are important in Congress?

• Rules are only necessary for the Senate, not the House.
• Rules are meant to limit the power of the President.
• Rules are irrelevant as Congress members can speak freely.
• Rules are important in Congress to maintain order and ensure fair debate.

Committees in Congress

• Committees are smaller groups of members focused on specific
areas
• Types of committees:

- Standing committees (permanent)
- Select committees (temporary, for special purposes)
- Joint committees (members from both chambers)

• Committees hold hearings, draft bills, and oversee government
agencies
• Committee assignments are based on seniority and expertise

Checkpoint: What are the three types of committees in Congress?

Multiple Choice

Checkpoint: What are the three types of committees in Congress?

• advisory committees
• standing committees, select committees, joint committees
• executive committees
• regional committees

Political Parties in Congress

• Two main parties: Democrats and Republicans
• Parties help organize leadership and set priorities
• Key party roles:

- Majority Leader
- Minority Leader
- Whips (help coordinate party members)

• Parties influence committee assignments and voting

Checkpoint: Can you name the two main political parties in
Congress?

Multiple Choice

Checkpoint: Can you name the two main political parties in
Congress?

• Democratic Party and Republican Party
• Constitution Party and Reform Party
• Socialist Party and Independent Party
• Libertarian Party and Green Party

How a Bill Becomes a Law

• Bill introduction by a member of Congress
• Committee consideration and possible amendments
• Floor debate and voting in the chamber of origin
• If passed, the process repeats in the other chamber
• Conference committee to resolve differences (if
needed)
• Final passage by both chambers
• President signs or vetoes the bill

Checkpoint: What happens after both chambers pass a
bill?

Multiple Choice

Checkpoint: What happens after both chambers pass a
bill?

• The bill is sent back to the originating chamber for revision.
• The bill is discarded and not considered further.
• The bill is automatically enacted without further review.
• The bill is sent to the President for approval.

Sources of Information for

Congress

• Congressional Research Service (CRS)
• Government Accountability Office (GAO)
• Congressional Budget Office (CBO)
• Lobbyists and interest groups
• Constituents (people they represent)
• Expert testimonies in hearings
• Power to investigate: Congress can conduct formal
inquiries

Checkpoint: Name two sources of information for
members of Congress.

Multiple Choice

Checkpoint: Name two sources of information for
members of Congress.

• National Archives and Records Administration (NARA)
• Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
• Library of Congress
• Congressional Research Service (CRS), Government Accountability Office (GAO)

The Importance of Compromise

• Compromise is necessary due to diverse views in Congress
• It helps prevent gridlock and allows laws to be passed
• Challenges to compromise:

- Partisan polarization
- Pressure from constituents and interest groups

• Successful compromise often leads to more effective
legislation

Checkpoint: Why is compromise important in the legislative
process?

Multiple Choice

Checkpoint: Why is compromise important in the legislative
process?

• Compromise is important in the legislative process because it facilitates negotiation and collaboration, enabling the passage of legislation that reflects diverse interests.
• Compromise ensures that only the majority's interests are represented.
• Compromise eliminates the need for negotiation among lawmakers.
• Compromise leads to slower decision-making in the legislative process.

Congressional Procedures: Pros

and Cons

Pros:
• Thorough consideration of issues
• Multiple opportunities for input and revision
• Checks and balances within the system

Cons:
• Can be slow and time-consuming
• Potential for gridlock
• Influence of special interests

Review and Discussion

• We've covered the organization and operation of
Congress
• Key points: rules, committees, parties, lawmaking
process
• Information sources and the power to investigate
• The role of compromise in legislation
• Evaluating Congressional procedures

Final Checkpoint: What aspect of Congress would you
change if you could, and why?

Open Ended

Final Checkpoint: What aspect of Congress would you
change if you could, and why?