What happens every 10 years in
America that has a serious effect
on our politics?
What is the effect this thing has?
• The census.
• It decides how many representatives each
state will have in the House of
Representatives. It also influences a lot of
state funding and services from the federal
government.
What are the advantages given
to the party in the majority of
either legislative chamber?
• Control of the presiding officer position (Speaker of
the House or President Pro-Tempore). This gives
control over who serves on committees, control of
rules/operations of each chamber, and the ability to
decide which committee bills go to.
• Control of all Standing Committees. Majority parties
get the Chairman position for each committee.
They also get a majority of all the seats in each
committee.
• Control of who participates in the Conference
Committee. This compromise version may change
the law in important ways.
Lawmaking in PA
1. All laws must be passed as bills. No bill
can be amended as to change its original
purpose.
2. All bills must go through a committee.
3. All bills must deal with only one subject,
except for bills dealing with
budget/spending.
4. All bills must be considered for at least 3
separate days. Any amendments must be
printed so that they can be thoroughly
read.