AP US GOV U4

Bicameral

A legislature consisting of two parts, or houses

Term

The two-year period during which the U.S. Congress meets, starting on January 3 of odd-numbered years

Session

The period within a term during which Congress assembles and conducts business

Gerrymander

The drawing of electoral district lines to the advantage of a party or group

Reapportionment

The process of reallocating seats in the House of Representatives every 10 years based on the census

Malapportionment

The creation of electoral districts with divergent ratios of voters to representatives

Qualifications – House of Representatives

Must be at least 25 years old, a U.S. citizen for at least 7 years, and an inhabitant of the state they represent

Qualifications – Senate

Must be at least 30 years old, a U.S. citizen for at least 9 years, and an inhabitant of the state they represent

Incumbency

The state of currently holding a political office, which provides advantages in elections

Franking Privilege

The benefit allowing members of Congress to mail materials to constituents without paying postage

Casework

The work done by legislators to help constituents with problems involving federal agencies

Speaker of the House

The presiding officer of the House of Representatives, chosen by the majority party

President of the Senate

The Vice President of the United States, who presides over the Senate but can only vote to break a tie

Floor Leaders

The majority and minority leaders in each house of Congress who manage legislative strategy

Committee Chairmen

The heads of congressional committees, usually from the majority party

Seniority System (Rule)

The practice of awarding committee chairmanships to the majority party member with the longest continuous service

Standing committee

A permanent committee in Congress that focuses on a specific policy area

Subcommittee

A smaller, more specialized division of a standing committee

Select committee

A temporary congressional committee created for a specific purpose, often to conduct an investigation

Joint committee

A legislative committee composed of members from both the House and the Senate

Conference committee

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

Oversight

The power of Congress to monitor and supervise the activities of the executive branch

What are the steps of how a bill becomes a law?

Introduction, Committee Action, Floor Action, Conference Committee if needed, Presidential Action

Filibuster

A tactic used in the Senate to delay or block a vote on a bill by prolonging debate

Cloture

A Senate procedure to end a filibuster, requiring a vote of three-fifths of the Senate

Quorum

The minimum number of members of a legislative body who must be present to conduct official business

Hold

An informal practice in the Senate allowing a senator to prevent a nomination or bill from reaching the floor for a vote

Closed rule

A procedural rule in the House of Representatives that prohibits amendments to a bill during floor debate

Veto

Presidential action of rejecting a bill passed by Congress

Pocket veto

Presidential action of ignoring a bill after Congress has adjourned, thereby killing it

Sign

Presidential action of approving a bill, making it law

Nothing (Presidential Inaction)

A bill becomes law without the president's signature after 10 days if Congress is in session

Rules Committee

A powerful committee in the House of Representatives that sets the conditions for debate and amendment of legislation

Earmarks

Funds allocated by Congress for specific projects, programs, or locations