Congressional Leadership

At the beginning of each Congress, members meet to organise and select their leaders. Democrats call their party organisation the Democratic Caucus; Republicans call their party organisation the Republican Conference. Within the caucus and conference are numerous entities that assist party leaders in determining the work and role of the members of that party. This significant book presents historical background, including service dates, party affiliation, and other information for 15 House and Senate party leadership posts. The various duties and obligations of the party leaders are described along with the structure of the party organisation. Contents: Preface; Party Leaders in Congress, 1789-2002: Vital Statistics; House Leadership Structure: Overview of Party Organisation; The Role of the House Minority Leader: An Overview; Party Leaders in the House: Election, Duties and Responsibilities; Data on Major Leadership Contests in the House of Representatives, 1974-1997; Major Leadership Election Contests in the Senate: A 27-Year Survey; Index.