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
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
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
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
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
The United States Constitution The Enclave Clause is one of Congress’ enumerated powers found in the Constitution of the United States, Article. I. Section. 8., clause 17: (Clause 17 – Enclave clause) [The Congress shall have Power] To exercise exclusive Legislation in all Cases whatsoever, over such District (not exceeding ten Miles square) as may, … Read more
The United States Constitution The Militia Clauses are among Congress’ enumerated powers found in the Constitution of the United States, Article. I. Section. 8., clauses 15 and 16: (Clause 15 – The Militia) [The Congress shall have Power] To provide for calling forth the Militia to execute the Laws of the Union, suppress Insurrections and … Read more
The United States Constitution The War and Military Establishment Clauses are among Congress’ enumerated powers found in the Constitution of the United States, Article. I. Section. 8., clauses 11, 12, 13, and 14: Obama’s Unprecedented War Powers Claims (Clause 11 – War power) [The Congress shall have Power] To declare War, … Read more
The United States Constitution The Maritime Crimes Clause is one of Congress’ enumerated powers found in the Constitution of the United States, Article. I. Section. 8., clause 10: (Clause 10 – Maritime crimes) [The Congress shall have Power] To define and punish Piracies and Felonies committed on the high Seas, and Offences against the Law … Read more
The United States Constitution The Courts Clause is one of Congress’ enumerated powers found in the Constitution of the United States, Article. I. Section. 8., clause 9: (Clause 9 – Courts) [The Congress shall have Power] To constitute Tribunals inferior to the supreme Court; photo credit: REVIVALthedigest Article I courts are those courts created by … Read more