Congress: Informal Groups, Caucuses, and Congressional Member Organizations (CMO)

Most people are quite familiar with the idea of committees and subcommittees within Congress, but there are also many informal congressional groups. These groups can include informal groups, caucuses and Congressional Member Organizations (CMOs). While they may be called by different names, all of these groups refer to ad hoc social or policy groups that … 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

Understanding Legislative Language

If you are new to lobbying and advocacy, legislative language can be confusing and complex. Below is a guide to help introduce you to some of the most common terms you will encounter on Capitol Hill. photo credit: CarbonNYC Adopted-used for conference reports Agreed to-used for amendments, simple resolutions and concurrent resolutions Concur-used for an … Read more

Differences between the House and the Senate

In preparing to work with members of Congress, it is important to understand the differences between the House and the Senate. The more you understand about each chamber of Congress, the better prepared you will be to gain support for your issue. photo credit: Ewan-M At 435 members, the House is the larger chamber. The … Read more

Stage of Disagreement (CongressionalGlossary.com)

From the Congressional Glossary – Including Legislative and Budget Terms Stage of Disagreement: Stage at which one chamber formally disagrees with an amendment proposed by the other chamber and insists on its own amendment. A measure generally cannot go to conference until this stage is reached.   “Disagreement and Civil Dialogue in American Politics and … Read more

Recede and Concur with an Amendment (CongressionalGlossary.com)

From the Congressional Glossary – Including Legislative and Budget Terms Recede: Motion by one chamber to withdraw from its previous position during amendments between the chambers. Recede and Concur: Motion to withdraw from a position and agree with the other chamber’s position. Recede and Concur with an Amendment: Motion to withdraw from a position and … Read more

Necessary and Proper Clause – Article I Section 8, Clause 18 of the Constitution

The United States Constitution The Necessary and Proper Clause is one of Congress’ enumerated powers found in the Constitution of the United States, Article. I. Section. 8., clause 18: (Clause 18 – Necessary and Proper clause) [The Congress shall have Power] To make all Laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into Execution … Read more

Understanding the 4 Basic Types of Legislation

There are four basic types of legislation that are handled by Congress. They include bills, simple resolutions, joint resolutions and concurrent resolutions. photo credit: USDAgov Bill A bill is the most common type of legislation and can be either permanent or temporary. It may also be general or special in nature; public or private. Bills … Read more

“Second” (CongressionalGlossary.com)

Second: The number of members required to indicate support for an action. such as calling for a vote.   The Bicameral Congress: Crash Course Government and Politics #2     Courses Congressional Operations Briefing – Capitol Hill Workshop Drafting Federal Legislation and Amendments Writing for Government and Business: Critical Thinking and Writing Custom, On-Site Training … Read more

Taxing and Spending Power – Article I Section 8, Clause 1 of the Constitution

The United States Constitution Also see “Amendment 16 (Sixteenth Amendment – Income Tax)“ The Taxing and Spending Clause is found in the Constitution of the United States, Article. I. Section. 8., clause 1: (Clause 1 – Power to tax and spend) [The Congress shall have Power] To lay and collect Taxes, Duties, Imposts and Excises, … Read more