Congress - Key Terms Flashcards
Filibuster
Action such as a prolonged speech that obstructs progress in a legislative assembly
Concurrent powers
Powers which are shared by both the federal government and state governments. This includes the power to tax, build roads, and create lower courts.
Bicameral
Means two chambers. In practice refers to a government structure involving two houses, or two legislative bodies
Midterm elections
Type of election where people elect their representatives and other subnational officeholders (e.g. governor, members of local council) in the middle of the term of the executive
Incumbency
Government official who currently holds office
Gerrymandering
Manipulating the boundaries of an electoral district to favour one party or class
Pocket veto
A pocket veto is a slightly sneaky way for a president or governor to veto a bill. If Congress gives the president a bill and the president doesn’t sign or reject it, the bill isn’t passed.
Impeachment
Legislative body or tribunal initiates charges against a public official for misconduct
Pigeon-holed bills
The Committee Chair has the right to “pigeonhole” (not assign or hear debate on the bill) thus killing it.
House rules committee
Considers all bills reported from policy and fiscal committees and determines whether, and in what order, to schedule their consideration on the floor of the House
Cloture motion
To close the debate on any measure, motion or other matter pending before the Senate must be signed by at least sixteen senators may be presented at any time
Ping pong
Bill goes back and forth until there is an agreement
Conference committee
Committee made up of members from both houses whose task is to eliminate any differences between versions of legislation on the same subject passed in the different chambers
Partisanship
Tendency to support a particular group or party
Supermajority
More than half in support or votes
