American Institutions: The Legislature

This set of flashcards covers the key concepts and terminology related to the U.S. legislative process and the roles of Congress.

Legislation

The process of making or enacting laws.

Congress

The bicameral legislative body of the United States, consisting of the House of Representatives and the Senate.

House of Representatives

One of the two chambers of Congress, with 435 members based on state population.

Senate

One of the two chambers of Congress, consisting of 100 senators, two from each state.

Power of the Purse

The constitutional power granted to Congress to raise and spend money.

Advice and Consent

The Senate's power to confirm presidential appointments and treaties.

Impeachment

The process by which a high official is charged with misconduct, requiring majority vote in the House and 2/3 vote in the Senate for removal.

Committee

A group within Congress that reviews and modifies proposed legislation.

Filibuster

A procedural tactic in the Senate to delay or block a vote on a bill.

Cloture Vote

A procedure to bring a debate to an end in the Senate, requiring 60 votes.

Conference Committee

A joint committee that resolves differences between House and Senate versions of a bill.

Veto

The president's constitutional right to reject a bill passed by Congress.

Pocket Veto

A type of veto where the president does not sign a bill into law within 10 days and Congress is adjourned.

Constituents

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

Sociological Representation

A theory that representatives should share demographic traits with their constituents.

Agency Representation

The idea that representatives have an electoral incentive to act in their constituents' interests.

Delegate Representation

When congress members act exactly as their constituents want.

Trustee Representation

When congress members make decisions based on their own judgment for the constituents' best interest.

Oversight

Congress's responsibility to monitor the executive branch and ensure laws are enforced properly.

Majority Vote

More than half of the votes cast, necessary to pass legislation in Congress.

Redistricting

The process of redrawing electoral district boundaries.

Gerrymandering

Manipulating electoral district boundaries to favor one party over another.

Malapportionment

A situation in which districts have unequal populations, leading to unequal representation.

Majority-Minority Districts

Electoral districts where the majority of the constituents belong to a minority group.