While the President and the United States Supreme Court tend to receive the most media attention, the legislative branch also has a tremendous impact upon the everyday life of Americans. The U.S. Congress is composed of two houses-the House of Representatives and the Senate. Unlike the presidency or the Supreme Court, citizens directly elect members of the legislature, making the Congress the people's branch of government.

On May 24, 2001, Vermont Senator James Jeffords, announced his intention to leave the Republican Party and to declare himself an Independent. The political defection radically changed the organization of the Senate, giving Senate Democrats control over Senate committees, which largely determine the issues considered by the wider Senate. The significance of this change in party is great. It exemplifies the delicate balance of power in Congress and the relationship between the executive and legislative branches of government.

Objectives:

In this study guide you will:

• Identify why Senator Jeffords left the Republican party
• Explain why Jeffords' announcement was significant.
• Predict the impact of the political defection on Senate legislation and the Bush agenda.

Key Word Terms:

Majority, minority, plurality, political party, moderate, conservative, defection, bipartisan

Activities:

1. Refer to articles in SIRS Knowledge Source regarding Senator Jeffords. Why did he feel it necessary to depart from the Republican Party?
2. Using SIRS Knowledge Source, continue to monitor activities in the U.S. Senate and note the effects of their decisions upon the balance of power between the executive and the legislative branch.

Assessment:

1. The original Constitution made no reference to committees or majority and minority parties. Why do you think one party is always given majority privileges in the House and Senate?
2. Predict the impact on President Bush's legislative agenda if another Republican Senator switched political parties? if a Democratic Senator did?