Congress: United States

Abstract

The United States Congress is distinctive among the world's legislatures in its independence from the executive, its complex internal organization and procedure, and a capacity to develop its own legislative proposals. Senators are elected at large from their states, while representatives are elected from single member districts. The use of primary elections to make party nominations gives members of Congress a substantial measure of freedom from their party. Because of a substantial ‘incumbency advantage’—due to advantages in fundraising, and other factors—members of the House and Senate are reelected at very high rates. Internal structure of both the House and Senate is dominated by two institutions: Parties and committees. Committees have great influence in shaping legislation and in determining what legislation will reach the floor. The majority party has much responsibility for organizing the agenda of Congress. The rules of the House of Representatives are designed to allow the majority to prevail, a so they place strict limits on debate and amendment. The smaller Senate allows far more freedom for debate and amendment. The president has influence over members of Congress, especially those from his own party, but even members of the president's party are strongly influenced by their constituencies.