U.S. Congress Structure and Roles

President Pro Tempore

• A junior member of the minority party in the Senate who presides over the Senate in the absence of the Vice President.

• A senior member of the majority party in the Senate who presides over the Senate in the absence of the Vice President.

• The Vice President of the United States who presides over the Senate.

• A member of the House of Representatives who leads the Senate sessions.

Cloture Resolution

• A procedure to end a filibuster in the Senate, requiring at least 60 votes.

• A method to initiate a debate in the House of Representatives.

• A rule that allows a simple majority to pass legislation.

• A process for amending the Constitution.

Quorum in Congress

• The minimum number of members needed to be present for the House or Senate to conduct official business, usually a majority of members.

• The total number of members in Congress regardless of attendance.

• The number of members required to pass a bill in the House or Senate.

• The number of members present at a congressional hearing.

Majority Leader

• Assists the Speaker of the House and leads the majority party.

• Represents the minority party in the House.

• Oversees the Senate's legislative agenda.

• Serves as the President of the Senate.

Veto Power

• The President's constitutional right to reject a decision or proposal made by Congress, which can be overridden by a two-thirds majority in both houses.

• The ability of Congress to pass legislation without the President's approval.

• The power of the Supreme Court to declare laws unconstitutional.

• The authority of the President to appoint judges without Senate approval.

Speaker of the House

• Leads the House of Representatives and is supported by Majority and Minority Leaders, Whips, and Deputy Whips.

• Is the President of the United States and oversees the executive branch.

• Represents the Senate and is responsible for passing legislation.

• Serves as the chief justice of the Supreme Court and interprets laws.

Majority Whip

• Assists the Majority Leader in managing the party's legislative program.

• Leads the opposition party in the Senate.

• Coordinates party strategy and messaging.

• Oversees the budget committee's activities.

Bill Introduction

• The process by which a member of Congress proposes a new law, which is then assigned to a committee for study.

• A method for citizens to directly propose legislation to Congress.

• A formal debate in Congress about existing laws.

• The procedure for voting on a bill after it has been approved by the committee.

Senator requirements

• At least 25 years old

• U.S. citizen for at least 5 years

• Legal resident of the state

• At least 30 years old

Minority Leader

• Leads the majority party in the House of Representatives.

• Leads the minority party in the House of Representatives.

• Serves as the Speaker of the House.

• Represents the President in the House of Representatives.