40. Reapportionment
The number of seats in the
House of Representatives
allotted to a state changes every
10 years based on changes in
population determined by the
Census.
60. The problem of “Safe Incumbency”
• Competitive vs. Non-competitive
districts.
• This tends to have a negative effect
on democracy in several ways:
–
–
–
Reduces Congress’ response to political
change, doesn’t normally change
direction that much election to election.
Even when the American public is
extremely dissatisfied with Congress,
elections generally tend to produce only
a small turnover.
Weakens public’s influence on Congress
(low accountability).
61. The problem of “Safe Incumbency”
• Competitive vs. Non-competitive
districts.
• This tends to have a negative effect
on democracy in several ways:
–
–
–
Reduces Congress’ response to political
change, doesn’t normally change
direction that much election to election.
Even when the American public is
extremely dissatisfied with Congress,
elections generally tend to produce only
a small turnover.
Weakens public’s influence on Congress
(low accountability).
62. The problem of “Safe Incumbency”
• Competitive vs. Non-competitive
districts.
• This tends to have a negative effect
on democracy in several ways:
–
–
–
Reduces Congress’ response to political
change, doesn’t normally change
direction that much election to election.
Even when the American public is
extremely dissatisfied with Congress,
elections generally tend to produce only
a small turnover.
Weakens public’s influence on Congress
(low accountability).
63. The problem of “Safe Incumbency”
• Competitive vs. Non-competitive
districts.
• This tends to have a negative effect
on democracy in several ways:
–
–
–
Reduces Congress’ response to political
change, doesn’t normally change
direction that much election to election.
Even when the American public is
extremely dissatisfied with Congress,
elections generally tend to produce only
a small turnover.
Weakens public’s influence on Congress
(low accountability).
65. The problem of “Safe Incumbency”
• Competitive vs. Non-competitive
districts.
• This tends to have a negative effect
on democracy in several ways:
–
–
–
Reduces Congress’ response to political
change, doesn’t normally change
direction that much election to election.
Even when the American public is
extremely dissatisfied with Congress,
elections generally tend to produce only
a small turnover.
Weakens public’s influence on Congress
(low accountability).
67. How a Bill Becomes a Law
• Types of Legislation
• Introducing a Bill
• Committee Action
• Floor Action
• Conference Committee
• Presidential Action
68. Types of Legislation
• Bill
– Designated H.R. or S., followed by a
number assigned in the order in which
bills are introduced.
• Joint Resolution
– Designated H.J. Res. Or S.J. Res.
• Concurrent Resolution
– Designated H. Con. Res. Or S. Con. Res.
• Resolution
– Designated H. Res. Or S. Res.
69. Types of Legislation
• Bill
– Designated H.R. or S., followed by a
number assigned in the order in which
bills are introduced.
• Joint Resolution
– Designated H.J. Res. Or S.J. Res.
• Concurrent Resolution
– Designated H. Con. Res. Or S. Con. Res.
• Resolution
– Designated H. Res. Or S. Res.
70. Types of Legislation
• Bill
– Designated H.R. or S., followed by a
number assigned in the order in which
bills are introduced.
• Joint Resolution
– Designated H.J. Res. Or S.J. Res.
• Concurrent Resolution
– Designated H. Con. Res. Or S. Con. Res.
• Resolution
– Designated H. Res. Or S. Res.
71. Types of Legislation
• Bill
– Designated H.R. or S., followed by a
number assigned in the order in which
bills are introduced.
• Joint Resolution
– Designated H.J. Res. Or S.J. Res.
• Concurrent Resolution
– Designated H. Con. Res. Or S. Con. Res.
• Resolution
– Designated H. Res. Or S. Res.
72. Introducing a bill
• Bills may only be introduced by a
member of Congress. (Who writes it is
another matter.)
• Sponsor: lawmaker who introduces a
bill.
• Tax bills MUST be introduced in the
House first, other types may originate
in either house.
• Bills may be introduced
simultaneously in the two chambers
of Congress, or may be introduced at
different times.
73. Introducing a bill
• Bills may only be introduced by a
member of Congress. (Who writes it is
another matter.)
• Sponsor: lawmaker who introduces a
bill.
• Tax bills MUST be introduced in the
House first, other types may originate
in either house.
• Bills may be introduced
simultaneously in the two chambers
of Congress, or may be introduced at
different times.
74. Introducing a bill
• Bills may only be introduced by a
member of Congress. (Who writes it is
another matter.)
• Sponsor: lawmaker who introduces a
bill.
• Tax bills MUST be introduced in the
House first, other types may originate
in either house.
• Bills may be introduced
simultaneously in the two chambers
of Congress, or may be introduced at
different times.
75. Introducing a bill
• Bills may only be introduced by a
member of Congress. (Who writes it is
another matter.)
• Sponsor: lawmaker who introduces a
bill.
• Tax bills MUST be introduced in the
House first, other types may originate
in either house.
• Bills may be introduced
simultaneously in the two chambers
of Congress, or may be introduced at
different times.
76. Introducing a bill
• Bills are introduced differently in
each chamber:
– House – member introduces a bill by
placing it in the hopper.
– Senate – member must announce a
bill after being recognized by the
presiding officer (first reading).
• After introduction, bill given the
designation discussed above.
77. Introducing a bill
• Bills are introduced differently in
each chamber:
– House – member introduces a bill by
placing it in the hopper.
– Senate – member must announce a
bill after being recognized by the
presiding officer (first reading).
• After introduction, bill given the
designation discussed above.
78. Introducing a bill
• Bills are introduced differently in
each chamber:
– House – member introduces a bill by
placing it in the hopper.
– Senate – member must announce a
bill after being recognized by the
presiding officer (first reading).
• After introduction, bill given the
designation discussed above.
79. Introducing a bill
• Bills are introduced differently in
each chamber:
– House – member introduces a bill by
placing it in the hopper.
– Senate – member must announce a
bill after being recognized by the
presiding officer (first reading).
• After introduction, bill given the
designation discussed above.
80. Committee Action
• After introduction, bill referred to
appropriate standing committee.
• Most bills die at this stage. Why?
• Committee Chair passes the bill on to
the appropriate subcommittee.
– Hearings
– Markup
– Subcommittee reports to the full
committee.
81. Committee Action
• After introduction, bill referred to
appropriate standing committee.
• Most bills die at this stage. Why?
• Committee Chair passes the bill on to
the appropriate subcommittee.
– Hearings
– Markup
– Subcommittee reports to the full
committee.
82. Committee Action
• After introduction, bill referred to
appropriate standing committee.
• Most bills die at this stage. Why?
• Committee Chair passes the bill on to
the appropriate subcommittee.
– Hearings
– Markup
– Subcommittee reports to the full
committee.
83. Committee Action
• After introduction, bill referred to
appropriate standing committee.
• Most bills die at this stage. Why?
• Committee Chair passes the bill on to
the appropriate subcommittee.
– Hearings
– Markup
– Subcommittee reports to the full
committee.
84. Committee Action
• After introduction, bill referred to
appropriate standing committee.
• Most bills die at this stage. Why?
• Committee Chair passes the bill on to
the appropriate subcommittee.
– Hearings
– Markup
– Subcommittee reports to the full
committee.
85. Committee Action
• After introduction, bill referred to
appropriate standing committee.
• Most bills die at this stage. Why?
• Committee Chair passes the bill on to
the appropriate subcommittee.
– Hearings
– Markup
– Subcommittee reports to the full
committee.
86. Committee Action
• Final Committee Action
• But what if the bill gets stuck in
committee?
– In both houses of Congress there
are ways to force bills to the floor,
even if committees have not
approved the bill.
– Discharge Petition
– Attach the bill as an amendment to
another bill.
87. Committee Action
• Final Committee Action
• But what if the bill gets stuck in
committee?
– In both houses of Congress there
are ways to force bills to the floor,
even if committees have not
approved the bill.
– Discharge Petition
– Attach the bill as an amendment to
another bill.
88. Committee Action
• Final Committee Action
• But what if the bill gets stuck in
committee?
– In both houses of Congress there
are ways to force bills to the floor,
even if committees have not
approved the bill.
– Discharge Petition
– Attach the bill as an amendment to
another bill.
89. Committee Action
• Final Committee Action
• But what if the bill gets stuck in
committee?
– In both houses of Congress there
are ways to force bills to the floor,
even if committees have not
approved the bill.
– Discharge Petition
– Attach the bill as an amendment to
another bill.
90. Committee Action
• Final Committee Action
• But what if the bill gets stuck in
committee?
– In both houses of Congress there
are ways to force bills to the floor,
even if committees have not
approved the bill.
– Discharge Petition
– Attach the bill as an amendment to
another bill.
91. Committee Action
• SO, bills can be brought to floor
despite committee rejection, but
this is EXTREMELY rare.
92. Floor Action
• After being reported to the parent
chamber by a standing committee, a
bill must be scheduled for floor action.
• Senate – in the Senate this process is
easier, more informal.
–
–
–
Unrestricted debate and the Senate.
Filibuster
Cloture
93. Floor Action
• After being reported to the parent
chamber by a standing committee, a
bill must be scheduled for floor action.
• Senate – in the Senate this process is
easier, more informal.
–
–
–
Unrestricted debate and the Senate.
Filibuster
Cloture
94. Floor Action
• After being reported to the parent
chamber by a standing committee, a
bill must be scheduled for floor action.
• Senate – in the Senate this process is
easier, more informal.
–
–
–
Unrestricted debate and the Senate.
Filibuster
Cloture
95. Floor Action
•House – process much more
complex due to size.
– Uncontroversial, less important bills
can be called up, passed unanimously
with little debate.
– suspension of the rules.
96. Floor Action
•House – process much more
complex due to size.
– Uncontroversial, less important bills
can be called up, passed unanimously
with little debate.
– suspension of the rules.
97. Floor Action
•House – process much more
complex due to size.
– Uncontroversial, less important bills
can be called up, passed unanimously
with little debate.
– suspension of the rules.
98. Floor Action
• Suspension of the Rules
– Upon recognition, committee chair moves
to consider a bill under suspension.
– If a 2/3 majority of those voting agree, the
bill is considered on the floor.
– Debate is limited to 40 minutes (20 pro,
20 con), no amendments considered, and a
2/3 majority needed to pass the
legislation.
– Done Nov. 2, 2005 on H.R. 1606 Online
Freedom of Speech Act.
99. Floor Action
• Suspension of the Rules
– Upon recognition, committee chair moves
to consider a bill under suspension.
– If a 2/3 majority of those voting agree, the
bill is considered on the floor.
– Debate is limited to 40 minutes (20 pro,
20 con), no amendments considered, and a
2/3 majority needed to pass the
legislation.
– Done Nov. 2, 2005 on H.R. 1606 Online
Freedom of Speech Act.
100. Floor Action
• Suspension of the Rules
– Upon recognition, committee chair moves
to consider a bill under suspension.
– If a 2/3 majority of those voting agree, the
bill is considered on the floor.
– Debate is limited to 40 minutes (20 pro,
20 con), no amendments considered, and a
2/3 majority needed to pass the
legislation.
– Done Nov. 2, 2005 on H.R. 1606 Online
Freedom of Speech Act.
101. Floor Action
• Suspension of the Rules
– Upon recognition, committee chair moves
to consider a bill under suspension.
– If a 2/3 majority of those voting agree, the
bill is considered on the floor.
– Debate is limited to 40 minutes (20 pro,
20 con), no amendments considered, and a
2/3 majority needed to pass the
legislation.
– Done Nov. 2, 2005 on H.R. 1606 Online
Freedom of Speech Act.
102. Floor Action
• Rules Committee
– Important legislation (usually
controversial) goes to the Rules
Committee before going to the floor.
– Rules Committee attaches a rule to all bills
which specifies conditions of debate.
– It determines:
•If and/or when it should be sent to the floor
•If and/or how long debate is allowed
•Can bill be amended (open vs. closed rule)
103. Floor Action
• Rules Committee
– Important legislation (usually
controversial) goes to the Rules
Committee before going to the floor.
– Rules Committee attaches a rule to all bills
which specifies conditions of debate.
– It determines:
•If and/or when it should be sent to the floor
•If and/or how long debate is allowed
•Can bill be amended (open vs. closed rule)
104. Floor Action
• Rules Committee
– Important legislation (usually
controversial) goes to the Rules
Committee before going to the floor.
– Rules Committee attaches a rule to all bills
which specifies conditions of debate.
– It determines:
•If and/or when it should be sent to the floor
•If and/or how long debate is allowed
•Can bill be amended (open vs. closed rule)
105. Floor Action
• Rules Committee
– Important legislation (usually
controversial) goes to the Rules
Committee before going to the floor.
– Rules Committee attaches a rule to all bills
which specifies conditions of debate.
– It determines:
•If and/or when it should be sent to the floor
•If and/or how long debate is allowed
•Can bill be amended (open vs. closed rule)
106. Floor Action
• Rules Committee
– Important legislation (usually
controversial) goes to the Rules
Committee before going to the floor.
– Rules Committee attaches a rule to all bills
which specifies conditions of debate.
– It determines:
•If and/or when it should be sent to the floor
•If and/or how long debate is allowed
•Can bill be amended (open vs. closed rule)
107. Floor Action
• Open vs. Closed Rule
– Open Rule – members can propose
amendments relevant to any of the bill’s
sections.
– Closed Rule – only certain sections of the
bill open to amendment, or amendments
not allowed.
• Assuming Rules Committee
recommends a rule, the floor votes on
accepting or rejecting the rule.
108. Floor Action
• Open vs. Closed Rule
– Open Rule – members can propose
amendments relevant to any of the bill’s
sections.
– Closed Rule – only certain sections of the
bill open to amendment, or amendments
not allowed.
• Assuming Rules Committee
recommends a rule, the floor votes on
accepting or rejecting the rule.
109. Floor Action
• Open vs. Closed Rule
– Open Rule – members can propose
amendments relevant to any of the bill’s
sections.
– Closed Rule – only certain sections of the
bill open to amendment, or amendments
not allowed.
• Assuming Rules Committee
recommends a rule, the floor votes on
accepting or rejecting the rule.
110. Floor Action
• Open vs. Closed Rule
– Open Rule – members can propose
amendments relevant to any of the bill’s
sections.
– Closed Rule – only certain sections of the
bill open to amendment, or amendments
not allowed.
• Assuming Rules Committee
recommends a rule, the floor votes on
accepting or rejecting the rule.
111. Floor Action
• If rule is accepted, bill is considered on
the floor by the full chamber.
• After debate on proposal, voting on
amendments, floor decides whether to
adopt the bill.
112. Floor Action
• If rule is accepted, bill is considered on
the floor by the full chamber.
• After debate on proposal, voting on
amendments, floor decides whether to
adopt the bill.
113. Conference Committee
• Conflicting versions must be rewritten
so that a single bill gains the approval
of both houses.
• Bills reported from conference
committee MUST be voted up or down
on the floors of the House and Senate.
No amendments or further changes
allowed.
• Negotiation – theory and practice.
114. Conference Committee
• Conflicting versions must be rewritten
so that a single bill gains the approval
of both houses.
• Bills reported from conference
committee MUST be voted up or down
on the floors of the House and Senate.
No amendments or further changes
allowed.
• Negotiation – theory and practice.
115. Conference Committee
• Conflicting versions must be rewritten
so that a single bill gains the approval
of both houses.
• Bills reported from conference
committee MUST be voted up or down
on the floors of the House and Senate.
No amendments or further changes
allowed.
• Negotiation – theory and practice.
116. Presidential Action
• For a bill to pass it must receive the
support of a simple majority (50% + 1)
of the House or Senate members voting
on it.
• If this standard is met on a bill in the
same form in both houses, it goes on to
the President for his consideration.
117. Presidential Action
• For a bill to pass it must receive the
support of a simple majority (50% + 1)
of the House or Senate members voting
on it.
• If this standard is met on a bill in the
same form in both houses, it goes on to
the President for his consideration.
118. Presidential Action
• There are FOUR (4) possible actions
the president may take:
–
–
–
–
Sign the bill and it becomes law.
Veto the bill and return it to Congress.
Take no action and the bill will become
law after ten (10) days.
Pocket Veto – Take no action and if
Congress adjourns within ten (10) days,
the bill dies without his signature.
119. Presidential Action
• There are FOUR (4) possible actions
the president may take:
–
–
–
–
Sign the bill and it becomes law.
Veto the bill and return it to Congress.
Take no action and the bill will become
law after ten (10) days.
Pocket Veto – Take no action and if
Congress adjourns within ten (10) days,
the bill dies without his signature.
120. Presidential Action
• There are FOUR (4) possible actions
the president may take:
–
–
–
–
Sign the bill and it becomes law.
Veto the bill and return it to Congress.
Take no action and the bill will become
law after ten (10) days.
Pocket Veto – Take no action and if
Congress adjourns within ten (10) days,
the bill dies without his signature.
121. Presidential Action
• There are FOUR (4) possible actions
the president may take:
–
–
–
–
Sign the bill and it becomes law.
Veto the bill and return it to Congress.
Take no action and the bill will become
law after ten (10) days.
Pocket Veto – Take no action and if
Congress adjourns within ten (10) days,
the bill dies without his signature.
122. Presidential Action
• There are FOUR (4) possible actions
the president may take:
–
–
–
–
Sign the bill and it becomes law.
Veto the bill and return it to Congress.
Take no action and the bill will become
law after ten (10) days.
Pocket Veto – Take no action and if
Congress adjourns within ten (10) days,
the bill dies without his signature.
123. Conclusion
• Legislation is an extremely complex
process. You can understand why so
relatively little of it ever gets made.
• Passing a single statute requires
going through two chambers (which
have more than 200 committees &
subcommittee).
• Usually requires support of members
of both parties as well as interest
groups
124. Conclusion
• Legislation is an extremely complex
process. You can understand why so
relatively little of it ever gets made.
• Passing a single statute requires
going through two chambers (which
have more than 200 committees &
subcommittee).
• Usually requires support of members
of both parties as well as interest
groups
125. Conclusion
• Legislation is an extremely complex
process. You can understand why so
relatively little of it ever gets made.
• Passing a single statute requires
going through two chambers (which
have more than 200 committees &
subcommittee).
• Usually requires support of members
of both parties as well as interest
groups
126. Conclusion
• There are an amazing number of
points in the obstacle course at which
a bill can be shot down. How on earth
does anything get done?
• But somehow, it does. Remember, the
Founders designed the process so that
it WOULD be difficult to get things
done.
127. Conclusion
• There are an amazing number of
points in the obstacle course at which
a bill can be shot down. How on earth
does anything get done?
• But somehow, it does. Remember, the
Founders designed the process so that
it WOULD be difficult to get things
done.
