Congress and the Presidency Overview

These flashcards cover essential vocabulary and concepts related to the structure and functions of Congress as well as the presidency.

House of Representatives

A legislative body consisting of 435 members, apportioned by population, with members elected from districts.

Term of Office

For Senators, a term lasts 6 years, with staggered elections every 2 years for one-third of the Senate.

Qualifications for House Membership

Members must be at least 25 years old, a citizen for 7 years, and reside in the state they represent.

Gerrymandering

The practice of drawing congressional districts in a way that favors one political party or group over another.

Reapportionment

The redistribution of Congressional seats among states after the census determines changes in population distribution.

Incumbency Effect

The tendency of current office holders to win reelection due to advantages like name recognition.

Seventeenth Amendment

Amendment that allows for the direct election of senators by the people rather than by state legislatures.

Term Limits for Congress

Currently, there are no term limits for Congress members, as ruled by the Supreme Court.

Majority Party

The political party that controls the leadership positions of Congress.

Standing Committee

A permanent committee that deals with specific policy matters.

Select Committee

A temporary committee appointed for a specific purpose, often to investigate particular issues.

Joint Committee

A committee made up of members from both houses of Congress.

Conference Committee

A temporary committee created to resolve differences between House and Senate versions of a bill.

Caucus

An informal group formed by members of Congress who share a common purpose.

Franking Privilege

Allows members of Congress to send mailings to constituents postage free.

Implied Powers

Powers that are not explicitly listed in the Constitution but are necessary to carry out expressed powers.

Legislative Process

The process a bill undergoes to become law, including introduction, committee review, and voting.

Veto

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

Pork Barrel Legislation

Legislation providing funds for projects within a member's district or state.

Logrolling

The practice of exchanging political favors for mutual benefits on legislation.

Impeachment Process

A charge brought against a public official, authorized by the House and judged by the Senate.

Necessary and Proper Clause

Clause allowing Congress to make laws necessary to carry out its powers.

Electoral College

The body that comprises electors who formally elect the president and vice president.

Vice President

The presiding officer of the Senate, who casts tie-breaking votes and assists in determining presidential disability.

Imperial Presidency

The view that the presidency has become too powerful, potentially operating beyond constitutional constraints.