Congress Structure and Functions

Flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts related to the structure and functions of Congress.

House of Representatives

The lower chamber of Congress; consists of 435 members representing states based on population, serving 2-year terms.

Senate

The upper chamber of Congress; consists of 100 members, two from each state, serving 6-year terms with equal representation.

Impeach

To charge a federal official with wrongdoing; a power held by the House of Representatives.

Quorum

The minimum number of members required to conduct business in Congress.

Whip

A party member responsible for ensuring party discipline in voting.

Standing Committee

Permanent committees that review bills and laws in specific areas.

Subcommittee

Smaller groups within standing committees focusing on specific issues.

Joint Committee

Committees made up of members from both the House and Senate working on shared issues.

Conference Committee

Temporary committees that resolve differences between House and Senate versions of a bill.

Select Committee

Temporary committees established for a specific purpose, such as investigating a particular issue.

Bicameral Legislature

A legislature composed of two chambers, such as the U.S. Congress which includes the House and Senate.

Veto

The power of the President to reject a bill passed by Congress.

Majority Leader

The head of the majority party in either chamber; responsible for legislative agenda.

Minority Leader

The head of the minority party in either chamber; represents the minority party's interests.

Chief Legislator

The role of the President in influencing the making of laws, including signing or vetoing legislation.

Constituent

A person represented by an elected official; members of Congress must consider their constituents' needs.

House of Representatives\n\n

The lower chamber of Congress; consists of 435 members representing states based on population, serving 2-year terms.\n\n

Senate\n\n

The upper chamber of Congress; consists of 100 members, two from each state, serving 6-year terms with equal representation.\n\n

Impeach\n\n

To charge a federal official with wrongdoing; a power held by the House of Representatives.\n\n

Quorum\n\n

The minimum number of members required to conduct business in Congress.\n\n

Whip\n\n

A party member responsible for ensuring party discipline in voting.\n\n

Standing Committee\n\n

Permanent committees that review bills and laws in specific areas.\n\n

Subcommittee\n\n

Smaller groups within standing committees focusing on specific issues.\n\n

Joint Committee\n\n

Committees made up of members from both the House and Senate working on shared issues.\n\n

Conference Committee\n\n

Temporary committees that resolve differences between House and Senate versions of a bill.\n\n

Select Committee\n\n

Temporary committees established for a specific purpose, such as investigating a particular issue.\n\n

Bicameral Legislature\n\n

A legislature composed of two chambers, such as the U.S. Congress which includes the House and Senate.\n\n

Veto\n\n

The power of the President to reject a bill passed by Congress.\n\n

Majority Leader\n\n

The head of the majority party in either chamber; responsible for legislative agenda.\n\n

Minority Leader\n\n

The head of the minority party in either chamber; represents the minority party's interests.\n\n

Chief Legislator\n\n

The role of the President in influencing the making of laws, including signing or vetoing legislation.\n\n

Constituent\n\n

A person represented by an elected official; members of Congress must consider their constituents' needs.\n\n

Chief Executive\n\n

The role of the President as head of the executive branch, responsible for executing federal laws and managing the bureaucracy.\n\n

Commander in Chief\n\n

The President's role as the supreme commander of the nation's military forces.\n\n

Chief Diplomat\n\n

The President's role in directing foreign policy, recognizing foreign governments, and negotiating treaties.\n\n

Chief of State\n\n

The ceremonial role of the President as the symbolic representative and head of the United States government.\n\n

Chief of Party\n\n

The unofficial role of the President as the leader of their political party, helping members get elected and setting the party agenda.\n\n

Executive Order\n\n

A directive issued by the President that manages operations of the federal government and carries the force of law.\n\n

Pocket Veto\n\n

A legislative maneuver where the President leaves a bill unsigned until Congress adjourns, effectively killing the bill.\n\n

Advice and Consent\n\n

The constitutional power of the Senate to review and approve or reject presidential treaties and appointments.\n\n