Describe who influences decision making in congress and how?

The party Party leaders are first line in decision-making - 60% vote strictly along party lines every time - "right in" vs. "center out" partisanship Tactics used to "persuade" party members to vote a certain way - Members threatened in loss of certain positions in Congress (chairs, committees ...) Divided government-when different parties control Congress and the White House - can lead to problems passing agenda (gridlock)