Lecture on AP Government: Structures, Powers, and Functions of Congress

Overview

• Focus on how the structure, powers, and functions of both houses of Congress affect the policymaking process.

House of Representatives Leadership Structure

• Speaker of the House: Only leadership position mentioned in the Constitution.
  • Elected by majority party.
  • Has significant power: recognizes speakers, makes committee assignments.
• Majority and Minority Leaders
  • Guide party members and direct debate.
  • Ensure party cohesion in achieving policy outcomes.
• Majority and Minority Whips
  • Enforce party discipline and ensure attendance during votes.

Senate Leadership Structure

• Vice President (President of the Senate)
  • Rarely present due to other duties.
• President Pro Tempore
  • Leads Senate in Vice President's absence.
  • Member of the majority party.
• Majority and Minority Leaders
  • Majority Leader influential in setting the legislative agenda.
  • Control calendar assignments of bills.

Committees in Congress

• Purpose: Allow smaller groups to debate and draft precise legislation.
• Types of Committees
  • Standing Committees: Permanent, e.g., Appropriations Committee (Senate), Ways and Means Committee (House).
  • Joint Committees: Include members from both chambers, e.g., Joint Committee on the Library.
  • Select Committees: Temporary, formed for specific purposes.
  • Conference Committees: Resolve differences between House and Senate bill versions.

Legislative Process in the House

• House Rules: Limited debate due to size, often one-hour limit.
• House Rules Committee: Determines if bills reach the floor for debate.
• Committee of the Whole: Allows quicker debate with relaxed rules.
• Discharge Petition: Can force a bill out of committee with majority vote.

Legislative Process in the Senate

• Unlimited Debate: Leads to filibuster opportunities.
  • Filibusters can be ended with a three-fifths vote (Cloture rule).
• Unanimous Consent: Agreement to expedite proceedings by restricting privileges like filibustering.

Bill to Law Process

• Sponsorship and Changes
  • Bills sponsored by House or Senate members.
  • Subject to amendments, riders, and pork barrel spending.
• Log Rolling: Vote trading system among representatives.

Federal Budget Considerations

• Mandatory vs. Discretionary Spending
  • Mandatory: Required by law, e.g., Medicare, Medicaid.
  • Discretionary: Allocated after mandatory spending; frequently debated.
• Deficit Spending: Borrowing or raising taxes to cover spending beyond what is available.

Conclusion

• Understanding the structures, powers, and functions of Congress is crucial for comprehending the policymaking process.
• Further resources and review packets available for deeper study.

Note: This lecture was dense with information and may require additional review and study to master.