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Congress
The legislative branch of the United States government, comprising the House of Representatives and the Senate, responsible for making laws and appropriating funds.
Legislative branch
The branch of government primarily responsible for making laws.
Reapportionment
The process of redistributing seats in the House of Representatives based on the population changes measured by the census.
Gerrymandering
The intentional manipulation of electoral district boundaries to favor one political party over another.
Incumbent
An individual currently holding a political office who is seeking reelection.
Open seat
A term used when no incumbent is running for reelection.
Delegates vs. Trustees
Delegate: a representative who acts according to the wishes of their constituents; Trustee: a representative who acts according to their own judgment.
Filibuster
A tactic used in the Senate to delay or prevent a vote on a bill by extending the debate.
Cloture
A procedure for ending a filibuster in the Senate, requiring a minimum of 60 votes.
Administrative law
Rules and regulations created by executive agencies based on legislative statutes.
Constitutional law
Law that derives from the Constitution, including civil liberties and government powers.
Judicial review
The power of courts to declare legislative and executive acts unconstitutional.
Amicus curiae
A 'friend of the court' brief filed by someone who is not a party to the case, offering information or expertise.
Originalism
A judicial philosophy that interprets the Constitution based on its original meaning at the time it was enacted.
Living Constitution
A view that the Constitution is dynamic and should be interpreted in light of current societal values.
Bureaucracy
A complex structure of offices, tasks, and rules in which employees work within a hierarchy of authority.
Case law
Law established by the outcome of former court cases; it relies on precedent.
Statute
A written law passed by a legislative body.
Wave election
An election in which one party gains a significant number of seats, often influenced by national conditions.
Credit claiming
An attempt by politicians to demonstrate that they are responsible for public projects and funding that benefit their constituents.
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