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CongressCongress

I. ReapportionmentI. ReapportionmentA. Every 10 years the nation conducts a census.

B. The census determines how many representatives each state receives. (435 total)

C. Each state also draws new districts, know as redistrictingD. This often leads to charges of gerrymandering, or the drawing of congressional districts thatfavor one of the parties.

II. The Committee II. The Committee System System

A. Standing Committees deal with proposedbills and are permanent. Examples: Banking, Foreign Affairs, Appropriations.

B. Select Committees are specially created and conduct special investigations. Examples: Watergate, Iran-Contra

C. Joint Committees are made up of membersof both houses for the purpose of coordinatinginvestigations, special business or to expeditebusiness between the two houses.D. Conference Committees resolve legislativedifferences between the houses.

III. Important III. Important CommitteesCommittees

House Ways and Means Committee:responsible for appropriations measures.House Rules Committee: determinesthe order in which legislation reaches the floor.Senate Judiciary Committee: Makesrecommendations regarding presidential judicial appointments.

IV. PolicymakingIV. PolicymakingA. Congress uses the power of congressionaloversight to gather information, reviewoperations and budgets of executive departmentsand independent regulatory agencies.

V. Overcoming V. Overcoming gridlock gridlock

A. Logrolling or “I’ll vote for yours if you vote for mine”

B. CoalitionsC. Consensus building