Unit 3:The Legislative Branch

Organization of CongressPart 2: The House of

Representatives

Organization of Congress: Part 2: House of Reps.

Main Idea:Structure of the House of Representatives

Notes:• The House of

Representatives has 435 members elected to 2 year terms and represent districts from their respective states.

Organization of Congress: Part 2: House of Reps.

Main Idea:House Leaders

Notes:• There are 7

categories/roles for leaders in the House of Representatives:1. Speaker of the House:

The Speaker of the House is elected to lead the House from the majority party.

2. Majority Leader: The majority leader is elected by the majority party to develop goals and policies.

Speaker of the House

John Boehner

Majority Leader

Eric Cantor

Organization of Congress: Part 2: House of Reps.

Main Idea:House Leaders (cont’d.)

Notes:3. Majority Assistant/Whip:

Helps majority leader and pressures members to support party goals.

4. Committee Chair Persons: These are members of the majority party that head up committees. They set the legislative calendar and agenda.

5. House Rules Committee: Group that can make or break a bill by restricting/loosening time limits and scope for debate. They usually belong to the majority party.

Organization of Congress: Part 2: House of Reps.

Main Idea:House Leaders (cont’d.)

Notes:6. Minority Leader: Leads

the interests of the minority party in the House.

7. Minority Assistant/Whip: helps minority party leader and pressures party members.

Minority Leader

Nancy Pelosi

Steny HoyerHouse Minority

Whip

Organization of Congress: Part 2: House of Reps.

Main Idea:Both the House and Senate

Notes:• Both the House of

Representatives and the Senate, have a Republican and Democratic caucus that guides their respective bills and agendas.– A caucus is a small

group of political party leaders that make decisions for the party in Congress.