Unit 3: State institution: Congress and the presidency
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Congress: Article 1 of the constitution
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Because the founders believed Congress would be the strongest of the 3 branches
since it was the closest representation to the people
Divided by House of Representative and Senate
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Committees:
Where legislation is drafted and sent to the floor to be voted on
Each committee has about 12- 15 people
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Leadership Structure:
In House of Representative:
1.
There is a speaker of the of the house:
Most powerful position;
the only
constitutional position in Congress;
comes from the majority party; sets the
agenda
2.
Majority Leader:
second most powerful
3.
Majority Whips:
People who go into their party and whip up support and vote
for legislation
4.
Majority party rank-and-file members:
People on the floor for votes
1.
Minority leader:
senior most person in minority party
2.
Minority whip
3.
Minority party rank-and file member
Senate:
1.
Vice president:
Serves as president pro tempore; comes in very rarely to break
ties
2.
