Chapter 12 (Legislative Branch)

Question 1

Bicameral

Answer 1

Legislature consisting of the House of Representatives and the Senate

Question 2

Reapportionment

Question 2

Reapportionment

Answer 2

dividing seats in House of Representatives among the states based on the population of each state

Question 3

Congressional Districting

Answer 3

drawing by state legislatures of Congressional districts for those states with more than one representatives

Question 4

Incumbency Effect

Question 5

Gerrymandering

Answer 5

drawing Congressional districts to favor one political party or group over another

Question 6

Casework

Answer 6

office holders may have helped constituents solve problems involving government and the bureaucracy

Question 7

Constituents

Answer 7

individuals/groups that reside within specific electoral district and represented by an elected official

Question 8

Speaker of the House

Answer 8

most powerful member of the house

Question 9

Majority Leader

Answer 9

serves as the major assistant to the speaker and directs floor debate

Question 10

President Pro Tempore

Answer 10

senior member of majority party chosen to preside in the absence of the Senate president

Question 11

Floor Leaders

Answer 11

serve as spokesperson for party’s positions on issues and coordinate legislative strategies

Question 12

Seniority System

Answer 12

practice where member of Congress with most years of service in particular committee/chamber holds special treatment

Question 13

Standing Committee

Answer 13

permanent committee that deals with specific policy matters

Question 14

Select Committee

Answer 14

temporary committee appointed for a specific purpose

Question 15

Joint Committee

Answer 15

made up of members of both houses of Congress

Question 16

Conference Committee

Answer 16

temporary committee of members from both houses of Congress, “Compromise committee” - resolve differences

Question 16

Caucuses

Answer 16

informal groups formed by members of Congress who share a common purpose/set of goals

Question 17

Trustee

Answer 17

elected officials/members vote based on their own opinions

Question 18

Franking Privilege

Answer 18

allows members of Congress to send mailings to constituents postage free (no cost/fees for shipping)

Question 19

Oversight

Answer 19

investigate matters falling within range of its legislative authority (monitor/supervise government agencies)

Question 20

Bills

Answer 20

proposed laws

Question 21

Rules Committee

Answer 21

committee in House of Representatives that sets terms of debate for the bill

Question 22

Filibuster

Answer 22

unlimited debate in attempt to stall action on a bill

Question 23

Cloture

Answer 23

method by which Senate limits a filibuster

Question 24

Pork Barrel Legislation

Answer 24

an attempt to provide funds and projects for a member's home district/state

Question 25

Logrolling

Answer 25

an attempt by members to gain support of other members in return for their support on the member's legislation (Bill)

Question 26

Riders

Answer 26

additions to legislation which generally have no connection to the legislation

Question 27

Amendments

Answer 27

additions/changes to legislation that deal specifically with the legislation

Question 28

Lobbying

Answer 28

trying to influence members of Congress to support/reject legislation

Question 29

Legislative Veto

Answer 29

rejection of a presidential or executive branch action by a vote of one or both houses of Congress (Declared Unconstitutional 1983)