U.S. Congress:Structure and Powers

Powers of Congress

• Enumerated powers– Powers expressly granted to Congress in the

Constitution• Examples: Levy taxes, regulate interstate

commerce

• Expanded powers– Necessary and Proper Clause– Commerce Clause– Spending Clause

Functions of Congress

• Lawmaking– How does a bill become a law?– Logrolling

• Service to constituents– Casework– Representation

• Oversight

• Educating the public

House-Senate Differences

• Representation based on population

• Constituencies

• Length of term

• Impeachment vs. Conviction

• Limited debate vs. filibuster

• Advise and consent

• Party loyalty

Leadership Structure

House• Speaker of House

– Dennis Hastert (R-IL)• Majority Leader

– Tom DeLay (R-TX)• Minority Leader

– Nancy Pelosi (D-CA)• Majority Whip

– Roy Blunt (R-MO)• Minority Whip

– Steny Hoyer (D-MD)

Senate• President

– Dick Cheney (VP)• President Pro-Tempore

– Ted Stevens (R-AK)• Majority Leader

– Bill Frist (R-TN)• Minority Leader

– Tom Daschle (D-SD)• Majority Whip

– Mitch McConnell (R-KY)• Minority Whip

– Harry Reid (D-NV)

Committee Structure

Committee structure divides legislative labor through specialization

• Standing Committees• Select Committees• Conference Committees• Joint Committees

• Committee chairmen used to be determined by seniority now these are partisan decisions

Fenno’s Paradox

Public’s Evaluation of Congress

Public’s Evaluation of Congress