AP Government: Structures, Powers, and Functions of Congress

Introduction

• Focus on Unit 2: Structures, powers, and functions of Congress
• Main goal: Explain how structures and powers of both houses affect policymaking

Leadership Structures

House of Representatives

• Speaker of the House: Only position mentioned in the Constitution; chosen by majority party
  • Controls speaking opportunities and committee assignments
• Majority and Minority Leaders: Guide party members in voting and policymaking
• Whips: Ensure party discipline and attendance for votes

Senate

• President of the Senate: Vice President of the U.S., rarely present
• President Pro Tempore: Leads in VP's absence, always from majority party
• Majority and Minority Leaders: Majority leader sets legislative agenda

Committees in Congress

• Essential for managing workload, not constitutionally mandated

Types of Committees

• Standing Committees: Permanent, address ongoing issues
  • Example: Senate Appropriations Committee, House Ways and Means Committee
• Joint Committees: Involve members of both houses
  • Examples: Joint Committee on the Library, Joint Committee on Printing
• Select Committees: Temporary, for specific purposes
  • Historical Example: Missouri Compromise Committee
• Conference Committees: Resolve differences in bills between houses

Legislative Processes

House of Representatives

• Limited debate due to size, often 1 hour
• House Rules Committee: Gatekeeper for legislation
  • Decides debate eligibility and scheduling of votes
• Committee of the Whole: Eases debate rules
• Discharge Petition: Removes stuck bills from committee to floor

Senate

• Unlimited debate time, allowing filibusters
  • Longest: Strom Thurmond's 1957 filibuster
  • Filibuster threat used strategically
  • Cloture Rule: Ends filibuster with three-fifths majority
• Unanimous Consent: Agreement to expedite proceedings

Bill to Law Process

• Bill sponsorship from either house
• Bills often change through debate, including:
  • Riders: Unrelated provisions
  • Pork Barrel Spending: Funds for specific districts
• Log Rolling: Mutual vote support agreements

Federal Budgeting

• Mandatory Spending: Required by law (e.g., Medicare, Medicaid)
• Discretionary Spending: Subject to debate, largest on human resources
• Deficit Spending: Spending beyond means, funded by borrowing or raising taxes

Conclusion

• Resources available for further study and exam preparation
• Encouragement to subscribe for more AP Government content