Primary differences between the

Pre-Modern and Modern Congress«

Pre-Modern Congress

1. High turnover of members

2. Many contested elections

3. Short sessions, relatively light workload

4. Chaotic floor proceedings

5. High turnover of committee personnel; shifting   criteria for assignment

6. Undeveloped political party structures.

Modern Congress

1. Low turnover of members

2. Few contested elections

3. Long sessions, heavy workload

4. Orderly floor proceedings

5. Low turnover of committee personnel; stable criteria for assignment

6. Well developed political party structures.

Randall Ripley, (1978) Congress: Process and Public Policy, Norton