Final answer:
The leader of the smaller political party in each house is called the minority leader, elected by party members during their respective party conferences or caucuses.
Step-by-step explanation:
The leader in each house of the smaller political party is called the minority leader. The minority leader, along with the minority whip, is responsible for directing the activities and strategies of the minority party on the floor of both the House of Representatives and the Senate. These positions are elected by their respective party members in party conferences or caucuses. While the majority party sets the legislative agenda and has more influence on policy decisions due to their numbers, the minority party provides official expression of alternative political and policy ideas and attempts to influence legislation and national discourse.