#58: CIVICS 101: The Legislative Branch
Q&A #58: How are the rules of procedure in Congress determined?
Our American Government
Our American Government is a small book published by the House of Representatives for citizens and those who seek a greater understanding of the American interpretation of democracy. It follows a question-and-answer format and covers a broad range of topics dealing with the three branches of our Government, the electoral process, and the role of political parties.
The Savvy Citizen is reproducing the 169 questions-and-answers through a series of posts called Civics 101. Each post will contain the Q&A as well as some additional commentary to add historical context, fun facts, or anything we believe will add to our collective understanding of these topics.
Think of it as your adult Civics class but without the test!
Let’s keep at it.
SECTION: The Legislative Branch: The Congress
Congressional Rules and Procedures
Q&A #58: How are the rules of procedure in Congress determined?
The Constitution (Article I, Section 5) provides that each House ‘‘determine the Rules of its Proceedings.’’ These resulting rules and procedures are spelled out in detailed procedural manuals for each Chamber.
My Thoughts
Here’s the text of Article 1, Section 5:
Each House shall be the Judge of the Elections, Returns and Qualifications of its own Members, and a Majority of each shall constitute a Quorum to do Business; but a smaller Number may adjourn from day to day, and may be authorized to compel the Attendance of absent Members, in such Manner, and under such Penalties as each House may provide.
Each House may determine the Rules of its Proceedings, punish its Members for disorderly Behaviour, and, with the Concurrence of two thirds, expel a Member.
Each House shall keep a Journal of its Proceedings, and from time to time publish the same, excepting such Parts as may in their Judgment require Secrecy; and the Yeas and Nays of the Members of either House on any question shall, at the Desire of one fifth of those Present, be entered on the Journal.
Neither House, during the Session of Congress, shall, without the Consent of the other, adjourn for more than three days, nor to any other Place than that in which the two Houses shall be sitting.
Notice that the second paragraph, or clause, give Congress the power to punish its members for disorderly behavior. Congressman Al Green (D-TX) interrupted President Trump’s joint address to Congress Tuesday evening and was removed from the Chamber as a result. This morning, pursuant to their Constitutional authority, the House of Representatives voted to censure him for this behavior.
Here’s a copy of the House Resolution censuring Representative Green.
Back next time with Q&A #59: What are the functions of the House Rules Committee?
Meanwhile, don’t forget that we’re organizing the post links on a single page available here.
xo,
Kelley for the Savvy Citizen Team
March 6, 2025