Chapter 12 Section 1

1. Chapter 12 Section 1 Organization of the Legislative Branch

2. Objective • You will be able to identify the key positions within the Legislative branch and what they do

3. Basics • This 1st day of a new term (every 2 years) is January 3 of every odd numbered year • Why is it every odd numbered year?

4. Speaker of the House • Most power in the legislative branch • 3rd in the line of succession • Always chosen from its own members of the majority party • Doesn’t have to be this way • Duties • To preside over all sessions • To keep order • No one can speak without being recognized • Interprets and applies rules • Refers bills to standing committees

5. President of Senate • Not a member of the Legislative Branch • Not very powerful • Sometimes not a member of the same party as the majority of the Senate • WHY • Cannot speak/debate—only breaks a tie

6. President Pro Tempore • Serves in the Vice Presidents absence • Usually given to the longest serving member of the majority party • Not very powerful • 4th in line of succession

7. Committee Chairman • Member who heads the standing committee in each chambers • Standing committees are permanent committees that deal with specific topics • Chosen from the majority party • Make basic logistic decisions for the committee

8. Party Caucus • Closed meeting of the members of each party • Deal with party organization maters • Like choosing leaders

9. Seniority Rule • This is an unwritten rule about who gets the most important committee posts • The best goes to the longest serving member • Like how the Pro Tempore is chosen • Most strict in choosing Committee chairs • Criticism • Not based on ability and discourages younger members • Defense • More experienced members=gets more respect