vocab 2 Flashcards
(31 cards)
A lawmaking body made up of two chambers or houses
Bicameral legislature
The minimum number of members who must be present for business to be conducted in Congress
Quorum
The ability of congressional members to mail letters to their constituents free of charge by using their signature for postage
Franking privilege
The legislative leader elected by party members holding the majority of seats in the House or the Senate
Majority leader
The legislative leader elected by party members holding the minority of seats in the House or the Senate
Minority leader
A senator or representative who assists the party leader by staying informed about the voting decisions of other members
Whip
A strong division in the views of Republicans and Democrats on the legislative agenda
Party Polarization
A group of congressional members that meet to pursue a common legislative agenda
Congressional Caucus
Permanently established legislative committees that review and consider bills in both the House and Senate
Standing committees
Congressional committees appointed for a limited time and usually for an investigative purpose
Select committees
A committee made up of members from both the House and the Senate
Joint committee
A joint committee appointed to iron out the differences in the Senate and House versions of the same bill
Conference Committee
a request or agreement setting the terms for the consideration or debate of a specified bill or other measure
Unanimous Consent
A device used to force a bill that has been stuck in committee for over thirty days, out onto the floor
Discharge petition
Issues that people believe require governmental action
Political/policy agenda
Practice of legislators trading mutual support for their legislative proposals
Logrolling
Occurs when different parties control the White House and Congress
Divided government
Occurs when the same party controls the White House and both houses of Congress
Unified government
Descriptive of elected representatives who balance their constituents’ opinions with their best judgment when making legislative voting decisions
Politico
A stalling approach by which a senator asks to be informed before a particular bill is brought to the floor; tactic used to stop a bill from reaching the floor
Hold
“Hidden” congressional provisions that designate money for specific projects or programs
Earmarks
Legislation that provides benefits to constituents in a particular district or state in the hope of winning their votes in return. For example: providing funding to build a bridge in a particular city
Pork barrel legislation
Descriptive of elected representatives who use their best judgment when making legislative voting decisions
Trustee
Descriptive of elected representatives who base their legislative voting decisions on the desires and opinions of their constituents
Delegate
