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Senate

The Senate is the upper chamber of the United States Congress, consisting of 100 elected members, two from each state, serving staggered six-year terms. It plays a crucial role in the legislative process and has unique powers, including ratifying treaties and confirming presidential appointments.

House

The House of Representatives is the lower chamber of Congress, comprising 435 elected members who serve two-year terms. It is responsible for initiating revenue bills and has the exclusive power to impeach federal officials.

Constituent

A constituent is an individual who resides in the district of an elected official and is represented by that official in the legislative process.

Implied powers

Implied powers are those that are not explicitly stated in the Constitution but are inferred from the powers that are enumerated. They allow Congress to create laws necessary for executing its explicit powers.

Enumerated powers

Enumerated powers are those specifically listed in the U.S. Constitution, granting Congress the authority to perform certain actions, including regulating commerce and coining money.

Revenue

Revenue refers to the total income collected by the government from various sources, which can include taxes, fees, fines, and earnings from government-owned enterprises.

Tax revenue

Tax revenue is the portion of government revenue that is collected from taxes imposed on individuals and businesses, such as income tax, sales tax, and corporate tax.

Budget

A budget is a detailed financial plan that outlines the government’s anticipated revenue and expenditures for a specific period, usually annually, guiding fiscal policy and resource allocation.

Speaker of the House

The Speaker of the House is the presiding officer of the House of Representatives, elected by its members. The Speaker's role includes guiding legislative business, managing debate, and representing the House in all administrative matters.

Filibuster

A filibuster is a strategic action in the Senate used to extend debate on a piece of legislation, effectively delaying or preventing a vote. It typically involves prolonged speaking or other tactics by opposition members.

Cloture

Cloture is a procedural motion in the Senate that aims to end a filibuster and requires a minimum of 60 votes to invoke, thereby limiting further debate on the matter under discussion.

Rules Committee

The Rules Committee is a pivotal committee in the House of Representatives that establishes the rules and procedures for debate on legislation, influencing the legislative process and the timing of bills.

Committee of the whole

The Committee of the Whole is a parliamentary procedure that allows the entire House of Representatives to sit as a single committee, facilitating discussion and amendments on a bill before it is voted.

Discharge petitions

Discharge petitions are a mechanism in the House that allows members to bring a bill out of committee for a vote, bypassing committee leadership, and require a majority signature to proceed.

Entitlements

Entitlements are government programs that provide financial benefits or services to individuals who meet established eligibility criteria, including Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid.

Discretionary spending

Discretionary spending refers to the part of the federal budget that is allocated through the annual appropriations process; this includes funding for programs and services that are not mandated by existing law.