AP Gov

Cloture Rule

The procedure used to end a filibuster in the Senate, requiring 60 votes to limit debate.

Committee of the Whole

A procedural device in the House of Representatives for faster debate that includes all House members.

Conference Committees

Temporary, bicameral committees formed to reconcile differences between House and Senate versions of a bill.

Discharge Petitions

A House procedure allowing members to force a bill out of committee with 218 signatures.

Filibuster

A delaying tactic in the Senate where a senator speaks extensively to prevent a vote.

Germane

A rule requiring that amendments in the House must relate to the bill's topic.

Hold

A Senate procedure where a senator objects to bringing a bill to the floor, potentially delaying legislation.

Joint Committees

Committees with members from both the House and Senate for investigations or administrative matters.

Logrolling

A practice where lawmakers exchange favors or votes on legislation.

Omnibus Bill

A massive bill that encompasses many policies, often including controversial measures.

Pork-Barrel Spending

Government spending directed toward specific local projects often unrelated to national interests.

Rider

An unrelated amendment attached to a bill in the Senate to pass something that wouldn't pass on its own.

Rules Committee

A powerful House committee that sets the rules for debate on legislation.

Select Committees

Temporary committees created for specific investigations or issues, not handling legislation regularly.

Unanimous Consent

A Senate procedure requiring agreement from all senators to advance legislation without formal debate.

President of the Senate

The Vice President of the U.S. who presides over Senate sessions and votes to break ties.

President Pro Tempore

The senior-most member of the majority party in the Senate who handles day-to-day leadership.

Senate Majority Leader

The most powerful leader in the Senate, responsible for scheduling votes and controlling the legislative agenda.

Speaker of the House

The most powerful member of Congress elected by the House, responsible for presiding over sessions and committee appointments.

Whip

A party leadership position that helps gather votes and enforce party discipline.

Deficit

When the government spends more than it collects in a given year, adding to the national debt.

Discretionary Spending

Annual government spending that must be approved by Congress, including areas like defense and education.

Mandatory Spending

Spending required by law that does not need annual congressional approval, such as Social Security.

Ways and Means Committee

A powerful House committee that controls tax policy and revenue collection.

Baker v. Carr (1962)

A Supreme Court case establishing that federal courts can intervene in redistricting issues.

Delegate Model

A voting approach where legislators follow the will of their constituents, prioritizing direct representation.

Gerrymandering

Manipulating district boundaries to favor one political party or group.

Gridlock

A situation where political disagreements prevent action or decision-making, leading to legislative standstills.

Lame Duck President

A president still in office after a successor has been elected, often with less political influence.

One Person-One Vote Principle

A principle mandating that legislative districts must have equal populations to ensure fair voting.

Politico Model

A hybrid voting approach balancing delegate and trustee models depending on public opinion.

Racial Gerrymandering

Drawing district boundaries to influence the political power of racial groups.

Shaw v. Reno (1993)

A Supreme Court case ruling racial gerrymandering unconstitutional under the Equal Protection Clause.

Swing District

A highly competitive congressional district that can shift between voting for different parties.

Trustee Model

A voting approach where legislators make decisions based on their own judgment and perceived best interests.