unit 7 flash cards Alex Nunez
(27 cards)
Reapportionment
The act of redistributing or changing the apportionment of something.
Redistricting
To divide anew into districts, as for administrative or electoral purposes.
Gerrymandering
U.S. politics. the dividing of a state, county, etc., into election districts so as to give one political party a majority in many districts while concentrating the voting strength of the other party into as few districts as possible.
Safe seat
A Parliamentary seat that at an election is sure to be held by the same party as held it before
Incumbents
Holding an indicated position, role, office, etc., currently
Bicameral
Having two branches, chambers, or houses, as a legislative body.
Enumerated powers
A list of items found in Article I, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution that set forth the authoritative capacity of Congress.
Speaker
A person who speaks
President pro tempore
A senator, usually a senior member of the majority party, who is chosen to preside over the Senate in the absence of the vice president.
Majority Leader
The leader of the majority party in a legislative body, especially the party member who directs the activities of the majority party on the floor of either the Senate or the House of Representatives.
Minority Leader
The party member who directs the activities of the minority party on the floor of a legislative body, as of the U.S. Congress.
Whip
A party manager in a legislative body who secures attendance for voting and directs other members.
Party caucus
A meeting of the local members of a political party especially to select delegates to a convention or register preferences for candidates running for office.
Closed rule
a rule that prohibits amendments to a bill from the floor.
Open rule
Rule in the House of Representatives which allows for any number of amendments to be made to a bill being considered on the floor.
Hold
To decide legally
Filibuster
The use of irregular or obstructive tactics by a member of a legislative assembly to prevent the adoption of a measure generally favored or to force a decision against the will of the majority.
Cloture
A method of closing a debate and causing an immediate vote to be taken on the question.
Standing committee
A permanent committee, as of a legislature, society, etc., intended to consider all matters pertaining to a designated subject.
Special/select Committee
A committee authorized by Senate or House Rules to study a limited subject.
Joint Commitee
A Joint Committee is a term in politics that is used to refer to a committee made up of members of both chambers
Seniority Rule
an unwritten custom where people who have served longer in congress are given the more important positions. Significant because the seniors in congress have the most experience and knowledge and deserve the more important posts.
Logrolling
the practice of exchanging favors, esp. in politics by reciprocal voting for each other’s proposed legislation.
Pork or earmark or rider
Provisions associated with legislation appropriations or general legislation that specify certain congressional spending priorities or in revenue bills that apply to a very limited number of individuals or entities. Earmarks may appear in either the legislative text or report language committee reports accompanying reported bills and joint explanatory statement accompanying a conference report