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.
58. 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).
59. 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).
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.
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. How a Bill Becomes a Law
• Types of Legislation
• Introducing a Bill
• Committee Action
• Floor Action
• Conference Committee
• Presidential Action
66. 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.
67. 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.
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. 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.
71. 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.
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 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.
75. 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.
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. 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.
79. 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.
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
• 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.
85. 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.
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
• SO, bills can be brought to floor
despite committee rejection, but
this is EXTREMELY rare.
90. 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
91. 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
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
•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.
94. 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)
95. 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)
96. 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)
97. 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)
98. 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)
99. 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.
100. 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.
101. 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.
102. 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.
103. 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.
104. 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.
105. 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.
106. 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.
107. 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.
108. 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.
109. 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.
110. 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.
111. 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.
112. 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.
113. 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.
114. 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.
