Unit 3: The Legislative Branch

1. Unit 3:The Legislative Branch Organization of Congress Part 2: The House of Representatives

2. 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.

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

4. 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.

5. 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 Hoyer House Minority Whip

6. 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 caucusis a small group of political party leaders that make decisions for the party in Congress.