Legislative Branch Vocabulary

Question 1

Term

Answer 1

Two year period of time during which Congress meets

Question 2

Session

Answer 2

Period of time Congress assembles and conducts business

Question 3

Apportionment

Answer 3

Distribution of seats in the House of Representatives

Question 4

Gerrymandering

Answer 4

Drawing an electoral district line to benefit a party

Question 5

Franking Privilege

Answer 5

Members of Congress can mail letters and other materials postage free

Question 6

Consensus

Answer 6

A general agreement among groups on fundamental matters

Question 7

Legal Tender

Answer 7

Any kind of money that creditors must take as payments for debts

Question 8

Appropriate

Answer 8

Assign to a particular policy

Question 9

Perjury

Answer 9

The act of lying under oath

Question 10

Censure

Answer 10

Issue a formal condemnation

Question 11

Joint Resolution

Answer 11

A proposal that has the force of law when passed, usually dealing with temporary matters

Question 12

Doctrine

Answer 12

Principle or fundamental policy

Question 13

Concurrent resolution

Answer 13

A statement of position on an issue used by the House and Senate acting Jointly

Question 14

Filibuster

Answer 14

Senate tactics (usually long speeches) aimed at defeating a bill by preventing a final vote

Question 15

Cloture

Answer 15

Procedure used to end or limit floor debate in a legislative body