Final answer:
The political party with the majority of seats in each house is called the majority party, controlling the legislative agenda and top leadership positions such as the Speaker of the House and the majority leader. The minority party has fewer seats and plays a subordinate role in the legislative process.
Step-by-step explanation:
The political party that has the majority of the members in each house is known as the majority party. The majority party holds more than 50 percent of the seats in a chamber, which allows it to control the legislative agenda, set the schedule for debates, and influence committee appointments. Moreover, the majority party is generally in charge of the top leadership positions like the Speaker of the House in the House of Representatives and the majority leader in both the House and Senate. In contrast, the minority party is comprised of the political party or parties with fewer seats.
For instance, if the Republican Party holds a majority in both the House of Representatives and the Senate, their platform might include policies such as states' rights, the expansion of charter schools, and pro-life legislation. The majority party's leadership includes high-ranking positions such as party whips, the majority leader, and the Speaker of the House if they control the House of Representatives.
It is important to note that in a multiparty system or in legislative bodies where no party has a clear majority, coalitions between parties may be formed to create a controlling majority. These coalition governments are often necessary for passing legislation and for stable governance.