Congress

Impeachment

A formal charge of misconduct against a sitting president or other government official.

USMCA

United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, a trade deal between these three countries.

Bicameralism

The practice of having two houses in a legislature.

Necessary and Proper Clause

Allows Congress to make laws deemed necessary to carry out its powers.

Wesberry v. Sanders

Supreme Court case that ruled congressional districts must have equal populations.

Gerrymandering

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

Shelby County v. Holder

Supreme Court case that struck down certain voting law requirements to prevent racial discrimination.

Logrolling

A legislative practice where members of Congress support each other's projects.

Earmarks

Funds allocated for specific projects or purposes in government spending bills.

Pork-barrel legislation

Government spending for localized projects secured primarily to bring money to a representative's district.

Majority Rule

The principle that the greater number should exercise greater power in decision-making.

Conditional Party Government

The degree of authority delegated to party leaders varies with the ideological consensus among members.

Ticket-Splitting

Voting for candidates from different parties for different offices.

Seniority Rule

The practice of giving preferential treatment to those in Congress who have served the longest.

Collective Action Problems

Issues that arise when individual representatives' interests conflict with group interests.

Casework

Assistance provided by congressional members to constituents facing difficulties.

Vulnerable Senators

Senators who are at higher risk of losing reelection.

The Speaker of the House

The leader of the House of Representatives, responsible for legislative management.

Increased Partisanship

The growing divide and ideological differences between political parties.