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Explore the roles of Speaker of the House, Majority Leader, Whip, and Senate President in U.S. Congressional leadership. Learn about caucuses, privileges, and penalties of congressional members.
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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.