Identifying and Cultivating Key Members of Congress and Contacts for Your Issue

When it comes to identifying and cultivating contacts and influential individuals who can assist you with your issue, it is never too early to begin. Start working with key decision makers on your issue as early as possible. Make it a priority to identify leaders that other congressional members will look toward regarding the development … Read more

Basic Guide to Party Leadership in Congress

Party leadership is responsible for bringing efficiency and order to the legislative body. Party leaders have partisan and institutional functions. The responsibility of the majority leadership is to set the agenda as well as determine legislative priorities and political strategies, assess support for legislation, schedule measures for floor action and round up votes for the … Read more

Guide to Scheduling and Privilege on the House Floor

In the House, after a measure has been reported from committee, it is placed on a calendar. Whether the measure comes off its respective calendar and receives floor consideration is the responsibility of the majority-party leadership. Leadership is also responsible for influencing the way in which a measure is considered. photo credit: disrupsean There are … Read more

Understanding the Role of Party Leaders

Given the size of Congress, consisting of 535 members, it can sometimes be difficult to understand the role of various members and how Congress goes about establishing agendas. photo credit: dougww Just after each election, members of each political party for both Congressional chambers meet in order to elect party leaders. These positions are important … Read more

The Constitution of the United States, Article. I. Section. 4. Elections, Meetings

The United States Constitution Article. I. (The Legislative Branch) Section. 4. (Elections, Meetings) Note: Article I, section 4, was modified by section 2 of the 20th amendment. The Times, Places and Manner of holding Elections for Senators and Representatives, shall be prescribed in each State by the Legislature thereof; but the Congress may at any … Read more

The Constitution of the United States, Article. I. Section. 2. The House

The United States Constitution Article. I. (The Legislative Branch) Section. 2. (The House) Note: Article I, section 2, of the Constitution was modified by section 2 of the 14th amendment. The House of Representatives shall be composed of Members chosen every second Year by the People of the several States, and the Electors in each … Read more