ch 6 terms & key takeaways

Constitutional Foundation

The Constitution sets up Congress as a two-part lawmaking body: the House and the Senate.

House vs. Senate Differences

• The House represents local districts and makes decisions by a simple majority.

• The Senate represents entire states and requires 60 votes to overcome a filibuster and pass major bills.

Enumerated Powers (Article I, Section 8)

Congress has explicit powers listed in the Constitution, such as the power to tax, print money, regulate commerce, and declare war.

Legislative Gridlock

Passing laws is intentionally difficult. A bill must pass both chambers and be signed by the president, which means government gridlock is common.

Power in Committees

Most of the actual work on bills happens inside specialized committees rather than on the full floor.

More Than Just Laws

Congress also…

investigates issues,

oversees the executive branch

approves presidential appointments

helps constituents solve federal problems (casework).

Article I Section 8

Details the explicit (enumerated) powers of Congress, concluding with the Necessary and Proper Clause.

Casework

Constituent services provided by member offices (e.g., helping with Social Security or passports).

Caucuses

Informal congressional organizations built around shared demographics or interests

Cloture Vote

A procedural vote requiring 60 votes in the Senate to end a filibuster.

Conference Committee

A temporary joint committee formed to reconcile differences between House and Senate versions of a bill.

Constituency

The voters and residents in a district or state represented by an elected official.

Descriptive Representation

When a legislator shares demographic traits (race, gender, ethnicity) with constituents.

Divided Government

When different political parties control the presidency and one or both chambers of Congress.

Enumerated Powers

Explicit powers given solely to Congress under Article I, Section 8.

Filibuster

A Senate tactic used to prolong debate and delay or prevent a vote on a bill.

Franking Privilege

The right of members to send mail to constituents at government expense.

Gerrymandering

The strategic redrawing of district boundaries to give one political party an unfair advantage.

Hearings

Open committee sessions used to gather testimony, investigate issues, or review agency performance.

Impeachment

The House's constitutional power to formally charge a civil officer with high crimes and misdemeanors (acts like an indictment).

Logrolling

Legislative vote-trading

Majority-Minority Districts

Districts designed so that racial or ethnic minorities form a majority of voters.

Pork Barrel Spending

Federal funds directed to local projects in a home district or state.

Reapportionment

Shifting House seats across states every 10 years based on U.S. Census population changes

Redistricting

Redrawing district boundaries within a state.

Speaker of the House

The presiding officer of the House and leader of the majority party; second in line for presidential succession.

Substantive Representation

When a representative takes policy actions that benefit constituents regardless of demographics.

Symbolic Representation

When a representative's presence inspires constituents.

Unified Government

When the same party controls the presidency and both chambers of Congress.

Whip

Party leaders responsible for counting votes and maintaining party discipline.