Parliamentary Procedure with Chris and Viktor

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Latest Episodes:

Episode 11: The Government of Singapore May 10, 2021

Here we discuss the Singaporean Parliament. In particular we discuss how members are elected or otherwise appointed to Parliament. We also touch upon parliamentary privileges of the Singaporean Parliament. With this episode we continue our exploration of legislative bodies abroad.

Episode 10: European Union and Parliamentary Processes Jan 04, 2021

This week we take a break from our regularly scheduled exploration of American Parliamentary Procedure and dive into the complicated spider web of bureaucracy and government by committee that is the European Union. First, we identify some of the key institutions that compose the Union, such as the European Parliament, Commission, and Council, as well as several other important institutions. Then, we discuss the Union’s “Ordinary Legislative Procedure” and try to search out some of its unique features and some of the features which parallel the American process.

Episode 9: Senate Judicial Confirmation Process Sep 21, 2020

Here, in this recent events episode, Chris and Viktor discuss the relevant procedure in the nomination, confirmation, and appointment of a successor to Ruth Bader Ginsburg. We discuss the approach that is taken if all current procedures are taken, as well as potential shortcuts that could be taken to confirm the nominee in a faster amount of time.

Episode 8: Part 3, Your Questions Answered Aug 17, 2020

In this mini-episode, we answer some questions from our listeners relating to the Democratic National Convention. In particular, we address the nature of a brokered convention as well as why the Party does not use ranked choice voting for selecting candidates.

Episode 8: Part 2, Rules of the Democratic National Convention Aug 17, 2020

In this episode, we continue our exploration of the Democratic National Convention and dig deeper into some of its less commonly mentioned elements. First, we discuss the Affirmative Action Plan, which is a plan for achieving more proportional representation within the party’s delegate pool. We address the national party’s guidelines and take a closer look at the plans for California and New Jersey. Then, we discuss the committee allocation process, which is the process by which delegates get placed into the various Convention committees and how delegate slates can be challenged. Next, we address several other committees, including the Rules committee and the Platform committee. Then, we touch on the procedural rules of convention. Finally, we discuss some unique historical events of past Conventions, including the McGovern Commission.

Episode 8, Part 1: Introduction to the Democratic National Convention Jul 14, 2020

In this episode, we discuss the “primary” function of the Democratic National Convention, namely, the presidential nomination process. We begin by introducing the concept of “delegates,” the people who do the actual ticket selection. Then, we discuss the various types of delegates, including the infamous Super-delegate. Next, we address the basics of the voting process. Then, we move on to explain how delegates are allocated throughout the country. Finally, we close with a discussion of whether we think the current system is the ideal means of selecting the ticket and conclude that while the system works, there is definitely room for improvement.

Episode 7: Impeachment Trials Jun 18, 2020

In this episode, we discuss the impeachment process. First, we give a basic overview of the practice and its origins, then we look more closely at the exact mechanics of impeachment. Finally, we discussed several interesting quirks of impeachment. Additionally, at the very end of the episode, we provide an update about the rules and outcome of the Trump impeachment.

Episode 6: A case study of major reform in Congress: The Affordable Care Act (ACA) Feb 20, 2020

In this episode we discuss the parliamentary procedure in the House and Senate which lead to the passage of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The death of an influential Senator, a special election, and a dedicated minority in opposition, who all provide obstacles to the passage of the ACA. Hear the story of how these obstacles were surmounted.

Episode 5: House Committee Assignment Process Jan 19, 2020

In this episode, we discuss the Committee Assignment Process of the House of Representatives. First, we sketch out the basic framework of the assignment process. Then, we discuss the specific processes the Republican Conference and the Democratic Caucus employ within their parties. In brief, the Committee assignment process blends together the federal government’s procedures and the private rules of the two major political parties in the U.S. and highlights the transcendent importance of parliamentary procedure even outside of an active legislative body.

Episode 4: Reconciliation and Some More House Precedents Oct 30, 2019

In this Episode of Parliamentary Procedure with Chirs and Viktor, we explore Reconciliation, the official Reporter of Congress, and the Holman Rule. Reconciliation is a method of passing legislation related to the budget. Essentially, reconciliation modifies the rules for debate in the Senate to speed consideration of a bill. Next, we discuss the role of the Official Reporter. Finally, we explore the Holman Rule, which enables Congress to reduce spending in a novel way.

Episode 3: Congress's Power to See Tax Returns and Other House Procedures Sep 13, 2019

On this episode of Parliamentary Procedure we discuss Congress’ power to request and publicize any individual’s tax return. Then we explore the Congress’ right of privilege, which permits its members to refuse to comply with court orders. Next, we address the role of the Chaplain and the establishment clause issues the office creates. Then, we discuss the reasons why unpassed bills are killed at the end of each Congressional session. Finally, we explore the curious power of the House Clerk to preside over the House at the beginning of every session.

Episode 2: The House, its Officers, and its Leaders Aug 12, 2019

In this episode we discuss the officers and other influential figures of the House of Representatives. In particular, we discuss the procedures by which the Speaker is elected. After the election of the Speaker we delve into the powers of the Speaker. Additionally, we discuss the other officers of the House such as the Clerk, Parliamentarian, Chaplain, and the Sergeant-at-Arms. Finally, we have a conversation about the chairs of House Committees and the power dynamics between the committee chairs and party leadership for each caucus.

Episode 1: Brief Historical Overview, Parliamentary Procedure Basics, and How Laws are passed in Congress Jul 14, 2019

In this episode we discuss the essentials of Parliamentary Procedure, including the history of parliament, the core principles of orderly debate, and the basic structure of the U.S. Congress. We begin with a brief history of the mother of Parliaments, the English Parliament. From there, we discuss the core tenets of Parliamentary procedure, including the principle of orderly debate, and the committee structure. Finally, we outline the shape of the modern U.S. Congress and how legislative bills become laws.

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