Congressional Leadership
Chapter 5
Section 2,3
Organization
• Leadership in the House– Speaker of the House- the presiding officer of
the House of Reps. Selected from the membership. Calls on people to speak during House Discussion. The Speaker is always a leader of the majority party.
• John Boehener (R)
– Floor Leaders- Spokesperson for a party in Congress; one who directs party decisions and strategy.
Majority Leader: Eric Cantor (R) • Minority Leader: Nancy Pelosi (D)
Leadership in the House Cont.
• The majority leader is second in charge to the Speaker of the House.
• Whip- a senator or representative who works with party leaders to communicate views, solicit support before votes are taken, and keep track of how voting is likely to go.– Minority Whip: Stein Hoyer(D)– Majority Whip: Kevin McCarthy (R)
Leadership in the Senate
• President of the Senate: The Vice President of the United States– Only votes in case of a tie.– V.P: Joe Biden
• President pro tempore- a member of the U.S. Senate chosen as leader in the absence of the Vice President. Has no real power.– Robert Byrd (D-WV)
• Majority Leader is often most powerful member of the Senate and often speaks for the entire Senate.– Majority Leader: Harry Reid (D-NV)– Minority Leader: Mitch McConnell (R-KY)
Caucuses
• An informal group of congressmen with the purpose of discussing an issue or advocating a political ideology.
• Their goal is to plan legislative strategy, not select candidates.
• Made up of both Senators and Representatives.• Examples:
– Congressional Black Caucus, Steel Caucus, Rural Caucus, Coastal Caucus, Portuguese Caucus
Privileges, Benefits and Penalties
• Salary: $165,200
• Perks: office, large expense account for staff and supplies, generous travel allowance and pension plans.
• Franking Privilege: Free postal service
• Censure: an official expression of blame or disapproval.
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