Legislative Branch Flashcards
(40 cards)
Session
The regular period of time during which congress conducts business
Term
The length of the time that officials serve after an election.
Adjourns
Suspends until the next session
Special session
A meeting to deal with an emergency situation
Reapportion
Redistribute
Gerrymandering
The act of drawing congressional districts to the advantage of the political party that controls the state legislature
Franking Privilege
Allows members of congress to mail letters and other materials postage free by submitting their facsimile signature for the postage
Eminent domain
The inherent power to take private property for public use
Copyright
The exclusive right of an author to reproduce, publish, and sell his or her creative work
Patent
Grants a person the right to manufacture, use or sell “a new and useful art, machine, manufacture, Or composition of matter
Bankruptcy
A legal proceeding in which the bankrupt persons assets are distributed among those to home a debt is owed
Party caucus
A closed meeting of the members of each party In Each house which deals with matter of party organization
Floor leaders
Party officers picked for their post by their party colleagues.
Whips
Assist the floor leaders and serve as liaison between the party’s leadership and its rank and file members
Standing committees
Permanent panels in congress to which bills of similar nature are sent
Oversight process
Where congress, through its committees, checks to see that the agencies of the executive branch are working effectively
Seniority rule
An unwritten custom, holds that the most important post will be held by those party members with the longest service in congress
Joint committee
One composed of members from both houses
Bill
A proposed law or draft of a law, public bill applies to nation, private applies to certain people or places
Joint resolution
A proposal for action that has the Force of law when passed
Concurrent resolution
A statement of position on an issue by the house and senate acting jointly. Does not have the full force of law, does not require presidents signature
Resolution
The measure relating to the business of either house or expressing an opinion on a matter. Does not have force of law, does not require presidents signature
What date begins a new term of congress in office?
Noon on the third day of January every odd numbered year
Compare and contrast house and senate
House-435 members, 2 year term, great change, based on population, less prestige
Senate-100 members, 6 year term, continuous body, 2 representatives per state, more prestige