2.2 Structures, Powers, and Functions of Congress 

Explain how the structure, powers, and functions of both houses of Congress affect the policy-making process. 

The different structures, powers, and functions of the Senate and the House of Representatives affect policy-making. Though both chambers rely on committees to conduct hearings and debate bills under consideration, different constitutional responsibilities of the House and Senate affect the policy-making process. 

• House and Senate size and elections 

• Congress: the formality of debate 

• Committees in Congress 'The Engine room' 

• Legislation in Congress 

 Chamber-specific procedures, rules, and roles that impact the policy-making process include: 

•  Number of chamber and debate rules that set the bar high for building majority support 

•  Roles of Speaker of the House, Vice Presidency (president of the Senate) party leadership, and committee leadership in both chambers 

•  Filibuster and cloture 

•  Holds and unanimous consent in the Senate 

•  Role of Rules Committee, Committee of the Whole, and discharge petitions in the House 

•  Treaty ratification and confirmation role of the U.S. Senate