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Definition of Majority Whip

Definition of Majority Whip

In regard to politics and government bodies, the term whip is used to refer to a specific official within a government body or political party. For example, in the United States, many government bodies, such as the Congress and the Senate, have both Republican and Democratic whips. The government body in question will have both a Minority Whip and a Majority Whip. The Majority Whip refers to the individual who is granted this position within the majority party.
On the other hand, the Minority Whip is the individual who acts as the whip within the minority party. Therefore, if the Democratic Party is the majority party within the Senate, than the whip within the Democratic Party is the Majority Whip. Under the same circumstances, the whip within the Republican Party is the Minority Whip. 
The specific status and responsibilities of a whip will vary depending upon the government body that is being considered. For example, in the United States Senate, the Majority Whip maintains the third greatest rank within the majority party. The Majority Whip holds a substantial amount of power. The primary responsibility of the Majority Whip is to ensure that all of the Senators within his/her political party vote accordingly.
If a few Senators within a political party vote contrary to the party’s ideals and standards, this can significantly diminish the likelihood of the party achieving the majority vote. Therefore, the Majority Whip will function to convince Senators within his/her party to vote the way in which party policy and higher party officials mandate. 

What You Need to Know About US Senator

What You Need to Know About US Senator


Senator Background
US Senate members are individuals who have been elected by the public to serve in the United States Senate. There are 100 US Senators who serve in the Senate. A Senator must be elected by the residents of his/her state, in order to represent that state in the Senate. Each state elects two different Senators. 

Seniority
The United States Senate operates on a seniority system. Individuals who have served on the Senate for extended periods of time maintain more authority or serve in higher offices than newly elected Senators. Though there is no additional legislative authority associated with Seniority, a senior member of the Senate may experience certain perks, such as choosing the committees that they serve on. 

Senate Offices
within the United States Senate, there are a number of Senate Offices, in which Senators can be elected to serve. For example, there is a President of the Senate and a Vice President of the Senate. However, the true legislative power lies with the Majority Leader and the Minority Leader. Other notable positions include the Majority Whip and the Minority Whip.  

Senate Majority Leader
Within the Senate, there is a majority party and a minority party, depending upon which party is more adequately represented in the Senate. The Senate Majority Leader is a state Senator who is elected by the majority party to function as a spokesperson for the entire party. The Senate Majority Leader plays an important role in organizing and leading the majority party. 

Senate Minority Leader
Just as Senate Majority Leaders represent the Senate majority. The Senate Minority Leader is responsible for overseeing and representing the minority party. The Senate Minority Leader is elected by the minority party to manage the party. The Minority Leader also seeks to ensure that the party upholds the party agenda by voting accordingly 

Senate Finance Committee
The Senate Finance Committee is one committee within the United States Senate. It is responsible for overseeing legislation and regulations regarding revenue and taxation. The Senate Finance Committee has played an important role in the history of the United States. This Committee has existed for centuries, and has made decisions that have determined the course of the United States. 

Senate Judiciary Committee
The Senate Judiciary Committee is a committee that has been incorporated into the United States Senate. The Committee is overseen by a United States Senator. It is responsible for governing and regulating the Department of Justice. In recent decades, the authority maintained by the Committee has expanded in response to changes on a national and international level. 

Senate Commerce Committee
The Senate Commerce Committee maintains an extensive jurisdiction and oversees issues within many different domains. For example, this Committee is concerned with issues that involve many aspects of science, transportation, trade, and consumer issues. The Committee analyzes any such issues that arise and functions to resolve these issues. It can also sway Senate votes on these issues. 

Majority Whip
A Majority Whip is an official position in the majority party within a government body. A number of government bodies within the United States maintain whip positions, including the United States Senate and the United States Congress. The Majority Whips function to ensure that the Senators within the majority party all vote accordingly, following the wishes of the party and party leaders. 

Who is the President of the Senate
The President of the Senate does not actually maintain any legislative authority, as he does not participate in Senate votes. In the event of the President’s absence, the President pro tempore will oversee his responsibilities. The President and the President pro tempore of the Senate maintain ceremonial importance and preside over Senate proceedings.

Senate Armed Services Committee
The Senate Armed Service Committee is the Committee that has jurisdiction over issue involving the United States military. This not only involves the actions and undertakings of the Department of Defense, but also any research efforts that are initiated. The Service Committee plays a vital role in national security and the protection of United States soldiers, both during war and following their service in the military. 

Senate Foreign Relations Committee
The Senate Foreign Relations is responsible for overseeing all matters related to foreign policy and international relations. This Senate Committee regulates debates regarding legislation that is concerned with these issues. Throughout its history, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee has played an important role in shaping the foreign policy of the United States. 


Senate Banking Committee
The Senate Banking Committee manages all concerns related to banking, currency, and price control in the United States. This Committee is comprised of over 20 state senators and has established a number of subcommittees. One concern overseen by the Senate Banking Committee is the United States Senate Federal Credit Union. 

Senate Appropriations Committee
The Senate Appropriations Committee continues to be the largest Committee within the state Senate. This Committee is responsible for overseeing and regulating discretionary or voluntary spending. The Senate Appropriations Committee is responsible for creating legislation that outlines government spending using federal funds from the national Treasury. 

Senate Employment Bulletin

An individual is not required to be a US Senator to obtain employment within the United States Senate. There are a variety of employment opportunities available within this government body, including administrative and secretarial positions. The Senate Employment Bulletin is a Bulletin that lists all available employment vacancies.

Filibuster
A filibuster is a tactic that can be employed by a Senator, or a group of Senators, that is allowed by the rules created by the Senate itself. A filibuster essentially is an obstructive tactic that is employed in the attempt to prevent for a particular motion or resolution to be brought to a vote by the members of the Senate.
Though there are several types of filibuster, the most commonly used involves the Senator extending the debate. Senators can literally speak for as long as they want and about any particular topic they choose. The only way to successfully end a filibuster is by achieving a three-fifths vote of the chamber to put an end to the debate. The longest filibuster in the history of the Senate lasted a total of twenty-four hours and eighteen minutes. 

Debate
The debate process in the Senate occurs when a resolution is brought to the floor to be heard by the members of the chamber. The Senate has in place specific rules that are to govern the actual process in which the debate is to be carried out. The Presiding Officer of the Senate has the power of recognizing other Senators to speak. However, the Presiding Officer does not have much power in terms of authority during a debate.
Both the Majority Leader and Minority Leader of their respective parties will have priority in being granted the floor to conduct their speeches. The length of the actual speeches is not governed by the Senate Rules in terms of provision and text, but they may be limited prior to the convening of the Senate through a unanimous vote. There are other rules that govern the debate proceedings, such as addressing members in relation to the state they represent or their actual position. Senators may not refer to other Senators by first name, and they may not address them directly. 

Voting
After the debate on a particular resolution is completed, the members of the United States Senate will put the motion to a vote. There are several types of voting that can take place in the Senate, but the most often used is the voice vote. The Presiding Officer of the Senate will put the motion to a vote, requiring those in favor to say “Yea” and those against to say “Nay.” This type of vote is typically referred to as the “Yeas and Nays,” or a Roll-Call Vote.
Voting in the Senate proves to be the most important procedures to occur in the chamber, for it is through voting that bills and laws that are brought to the Senate are essentially passed. In the case that a tie vote is rendered by the Senate, the Vice President or the executive office President of the Senate will exercise the granted authority to his position of casting a tie-breaking vote. In the case that the President of the Senate is not present in the event of a tie, the motion will be ruled in the negative. 
Committees
Because of the extensive nature of the legislative responsibility of the United States Congress, both chambers have instituted the practice of creating committees. The Senate implements a number of committees that have various tasks and duties delegated to them. Some of the general responsibilities of Senate committees are the overseeing of the Executive Branch and the review and analysis of new bills introduced in the Senate. However, Senate committees are created with specific purposes in mind that have specific jurisdictions.
The Senate is in charge of appointing members to committees, but the choice of which members are delegated to which committees is actually made by the political parties. Typically speaking, Senators with the most seniority will be given the choice of committees. Currently there are twenty Senate committees in place, with sixty eight subcommittees and four joint committees. 

The Senate Finance Committee Facts You Must Know

The Senate Finance Committee Facts You Must Know

The United States Senate Finance Committee is a committee within the Senate. It is generally concerned with taxation and revenue. The Senate Finance Committee is responsible for overseeing a large portion of financial legislation, including bills related to health programs, such as Medicaid, bonded debt, and the use of public funds. In addition, it helps to manage funds for federal social security, and establishes tariffs.
The Senate Finance Committee has extensive power and is thought to be a very powerful committee. Not only does the Senate Finance Committee possess authority in regard to establishing tax policy, it also has the power to review any existing legislation, investigate any discrepancies, and analyze the associated agencies. The Senate Finance Committee plays an important role in ensuring that agencies and organizations adhere to taxation regulations.
The Senate Finance Committee has a long history, as it was one of the initial features created within the United States Senate. It was originally established in 1815, in order to address economic concerns that resulted due to the War of 1812. The Committee did not officially become integrated into the Senate until 1816. Upon its creation, the Committee was provided with an extensive amount of power and regulated appropriations, banking, currency, tariffs, and taxation.
The Senate Finance Committee has played a vital role in many major national events, including the Civil War. The committee was responsible for acquiring the funds necessary to carry out the war. It was this Committee that promoted paper currency. Since its establishment, the Senate Finance Committee and its authority has changed notably. 

Your Guide to The Senate Judiciary Committee

Your Guide to The Senate Judiciary Committee

The United States Senate includes a committee known as the Senate Judiciary Committee. This Committee is one of the oldest Committees to be incorporated into the Senate. It was established in 1816, and since its creation, it has played an important role in regulating a variety of different domains. The Committee is overseen by a United States Senator.
The authority maintained by the United States Senator Judiciary Committee continues to evolve and expand, as the United States government and the Congress grows and changes. The primary responsibility of the Committee is to oversee and regulate the Justice Department. This includes the Federal Bureau of Investigation and any other organization involved in criminal justice. However, the Committee maintains many additional and important duties.
Following its establishment, the Senate Judiciary Committee was concerned with the United States Justice Department. Though this continues to be an essential focus of the Committee, the Committee is now also concerned with an array of additional domains. For example, today, the Senate Judiciary Committee is concerned with immigration law, internet violations, human rights, and terrorism. The Committee also possesses the responsibility of reviewing the candidates who are nominated for judgeship but the President.
As a result, the Senate Judiciary Committee plays an important role in determining who is nominated to be Supreme Court Justices. The Committee has played an primary role in a number of important, historical events in the United States, including the establishment of the Civil Rights Act, in 1959. 

Senate Employment Bulletin At A Glance

Senate Employment Bulletin At A Glance

In addition to employing state Senators who are elected by the public, the United States Senate also maintains a variety of civilian employment opportunities. For example, there are often employment opportunities available for administrative professionals, office managers, US Senator assistants, secretaries, and associated positions. It requires the efforts of many different professionals to ensure that Senate proceedings operate adequately.
The Senate Employment Bulletin is a document that is update regularly to display positions that are available to the public. This Bulletin is updated each week, usually on Friday. An individual can locate this Bulletin online and search through listen positions, to determine if he/she is eligible for employment within the United States Senate.
An individual who has access to the internet can access the Senate Employment Bulletin by visiting the Senate’s website. If an individual cannot acquire access to the online Bulletin, he/she can obtain a hard copy from the Placement Office. These hard copies are usually available from the Office of Tuesdays.
If an individual chooses to apply for one of the listed positions, applications instructions are provided at the end of the Bulletin, both online and in the printed version. An individual who is applying for more than one position must complete multiple applications and send a resume with each application. For a complete list of employment vacancies, an individual should register with the Senate’s Placement Office. This can be achieved by completing and submitting an Employment Application, provided by the Placement Office

The Senate Banking Committee

The Senate Banking Committee

The Senate Banking Committee, also known as the United States Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, was established in order to oversee matters and legislation related to banking and price control. 
The Senate Banking Committee is currently comprised of 23 state senators, from a variety of different states, including New Jersey, Tennessee, Ohio, and South Dakota. The Democratic Party is currently the majority party within the Banking Committee. This Committee was initially created in 1913, by the Oklahoma Senator, Robert Owen. The Banking was a result of the Federal Reserve Act, which promoted the creation of Federal Reserve banks. The Senate Banking Committee has played an important role in the United States economy since its establishment, and continues to be a very important Senate Committee.
The Senate Banking Committee has an extensive jurisdiction. In addition to banking and price control, the Committee oversees matters related to federal currency policy, coinage, deposit insurance, and the issuance of financial aid to commercial entities. The Committee is also concerned with urban development, both private and public housing, and mass transit. The Banking Committee regulates Senate debates regarding such concerns and related legislation. Due to the wide jurisdiction maintained by this committee, a variety of subcommittees have been established.
These subcommittees include the Housing, Transportation, and Community Development, the Economic Policy, and the Security and International Trade and finance Committees, just to name a few. The subcommittees help to ensure that all concerns are adequately considered. This Committee also oversees the United States Senate Federal Credit Union. 

Senate Armed Services Committee

Senate Armed Services Committee

The Senate Armed Services Committee is a powerful and influential Committee within the United States Senate. This Committee has the authority to oversee legislation regarding the United States military. This not only included the Department of Defense and the various branches of the military, but also any type of military research and associated technological development that are undertaken. 
As a result, the Senate Armed Services Committee plays an important role in regulating nuclear energy, particularly in regard to the security of the nation. The Service Committee is concerned with all aspects of national defense policy. This Committee has played a vital role in national security throughout the history of the United States. It has introduced a range of important legislation, such as the National Security Act, which was passed in 1947. 
In addition to issues regarding national security, the Senate Armed Services Committee is also concerned with the benefits that are provided to individuals who serve in the military. For example, there are specific disability benefits that are provided to veterans who have been injured while they were serving in the military. The Senate Armed Service Committee oversees legislation regarding such benefits and any issues that may arise concerning these benefits. The Service Committee also regulates the Selective Service System, more commonly known as the draft.
The Committee maintains a database of information about all candidates who are eligible for the draft. This means that the names and personal information of all United States citizens who are male and over 18 years of ages, and under 25 years of age, are contained within this database. The Senate Armed Services Committee plays a vital role in determining whether or not the draft is reinstated.

Senate Appropriations Committee At A Glance

Senate Appropriations Committee At A Glance

Within the United States, the federal government recognizes two different budget categories. The first is mandatory spending and the second is discretionary spending. Discretionary spending refers to any type of budget spending that government bodies have a voice in. The Senate Appropriations Committee was created in order to oversee discretionary spending. 
The Senate Appropriations Committee remains the most extensive Committee within the state Senate. It is comprised of 29 state Senators. Before any federal funds are taken from the United States Treasury and subsequently spent, it must be approved by the Senate Appropriations Committee. As a result, this Committee is extremely important and possesses a significant amount of authority. The Senate Appropriations Committee was initially created in 1867. Prior to the establishment of this Committee, the Finance Committee was responsible for overseeing appropriations and associated legislation. 
In the event that federal funds are required for any reason, the Senate Appropriations Committee must create a bill that outlines the use of this money and all related considerations. After the bill has been drafted by the Committee, it will be introduced to the Senate and the House of Representatives for voting. 
If the majority of both the Senate and the House of Representatives approve the bill, than the funds can be taken from the Treasury and used as specified. The Senate Appropriations Committee has been involved in a number of major historical events and plays a primary role in the designation of federal funds.