Party Organization in Government

I.    Basic Concepts

    A.    V.O. Key, Jr.'s Three Levels of Party

    B.    Woodrow Wilson

    C.    American Political Science Association Statement:  Towards a More Responsible Two Party System (1950)

    D.    Divided Government

II.    House of Representatives

    A.    Democratic Dominance (1955 - 1995)

        1.    Party Leaders

        2.    Seniority Leaders (committees)

        3.    Special Role of Speaker

    B.    Gingrich Era

        1.    Contract with America

        2.    Ascendancy of Speaker

    C.    Post-Gingrich Period

III.    Senate (organization)

    A.    Party Leadership (responsibilities)

    B.    Seniority Leaders:  Committees

    C.    Unanimous Consent Tradition

IV.    Increasing Partisanship (background)

Key Web Sites

110th Congress Party Leadership

Congressional Directory

Office of the Clerk of the House of Representatives:  Leadership Information

Glossary of Legislative Terms

C-Span Congressional Glossary

Senate Policy Committees