Congress Structure and Functions

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to the structure and functions of Congress, including the roles of its members, processes of lawmaking, and influences on legislative actions.

Legislative Branch

The branch of government responsible for making laws, consisting of the House of Representatives and the Senate.

House of Representatives

One of the two chambers of Congress, with 435 members elected every two years, representing different districts.

Senate

The upper chamber of Congress, composed of 100 members with staggered six-year terms, two from each state.

Apportionment

The distribution of representatives among the states based on population.

Reapportionment

The process of redistributing congressional seats after the census determines changes in population.

Gerrymandering

The manipulation of electoral district boundaries to favor one political party over another.

Incumbency Effect

The tendency of current officeholders to win re-election due to various advantages.

Franking Privilege

The ability of members of Congress to send mail to constituents without paying postage.

Expressed Powers

Powers specifically granted to Congress by the Constitution, primarily found in Article 1, Section 8.

Implied Powers

Powers that are not specifically listed in the Constitution but are necessary to execute the expressed powers; based on the Necessary and Proper Clause.

Speaker of the House

The presiding officer and most powerful member of the House of Representatives.

Majority Leader

The head of the majority party in either house of Congress, responsible for leading legislative activities.

Minority Leader

The head of the minority party in either house of Congress, organizing opposition to the majority party.

Committees

Sub-groups within Congress that focus on specific areas of legislation and policy.

Standing Committee

A permanent committee that deals with specific policy matters.

Select Committee

A temporary committee created for a specific purpose, often to investigate an issue.

Joint Committee

A committee formed with members from both the House and Senate to address common interests.

Conference Committee

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

Caucus

An informal group of members of Congress who share common goals or interests.

Legislative Process

The series of steps through which a proposed bill becomes law.

Filibuster

A Senate tactic used to delay or block a vote on a bill by extending debate.

Cloture

A procedural move in the Senate to end a filibuster, requiring a vote of 60 senators.

Constituents

The residents of a congressional district who are represented by elected officials.

Lobbyists

Individuals or groups who attempt to influence lawmakers to support legislation favoring their interests.

Amendment Powers

The ability of Congress to propose amendments to the Constitution.

Impeachment

The process by which the House of Representatives can charge a federal official with misconduct.