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Attitudinal View of Representation
A theory that members of Congress vote based on their personal ideology rather than their constituents' preferences or party affiliation.
Bicameral Legislature
A two-house legislative system, as seen in the U.S. Congress, which consists of the House of Representatives and the Senate.
Casework
Assistance provided by members of Congress to their constituents in dealing with federal agencies or solving individual problems.
Caucus (Congressional)
A group of members of Congress who share common legislative goals, such as the Congressional Black Caucus or the Freedom Caucus.
Closed Rule
A procedural rule in the House of Representatives that prohibits amendments to a bill on the floor, limiting debate.
Cloture Rule
A Senate rule requiring a three-fifths majority (60 votes) to end a filibuster and proceed to a vote.
Committee of the Whole
A procedure used in the House to expedite legislation by allowing a faster and more flexible debate with fewer restrictions.
Concurrent Resolution
A legislative measure that affects both houses of Congress but does not have the force of law (e.g., setting the date for adjournment).
Conference Committee
A temporary joint committee formed to reconcile differences between House and Senate versions of a bill.
Ideological Coalitions
Groups of legislators united by shared political beliefs, such as progressives or fiscal conservatives.
Descriptive vs. Substantive Representation
Descriptive representation refers to legislators who physically resemble their constituents (e.g., race, gender), while substantive representation means they advocate for constituents' interests regardless of personal identity.
Discharge Petition
A House procedure that forces a bill out of committee for a floor vote if signed by a majority (218 members).
Distributive vs. Informational Theory
Distributive theory suggests committees help members secure benefits for their districts, while informational theory emphasizes committees as specialized bodies providing expertise on legislation.
Division Vote
A method of voting in Congress where members stand to be counted rather than voting electronically or by voice.
Double-Tracking
A process allowing the Senate to continue business while a filibuster is in progress by setting aside the filibustered bill temporarily.
Electoral Connection
The theory that congressional behavior is primarily driven by the desire to be re-elected.
Filibuster
A tactic used in the Senate to delay or block legislation by speaking for an extended period.
Franking Privilege
The ability of members of Congress to send mail to constituents for free, often used for communication and campaign-like purposes.
Gridlock
Political stalemate where legislation cannot pass due to partisan conflict between the presidency and Congress.
Incumbency Advantage
The benefits sitting members of Congress have over challengers, such as name recognition, fundraising ability, and casework experience.
Joint Committee
A committee composed of members from both the House and Senate, typically for oversight or investigations.
Joint Resolution
A legislative measure that requires approval from both houses and the president, carrying the force of law (e.g., constitutional amendments).
Logrolling
The exchange of political favors, such as when legislators support each other's bills to gain mutual benefits.
Majority Leader
The head of the majority party in either the House or Senate, responsible for legislative strategy and party cohesion.
Marginal Districts
Electoral districts where congressional races are competitive, with close margins of victory.
Minority Leader
The leader of the minority party in either the House or Senate, acting as the chief spokesperson for the opposition.
Modified Rules
House rules that allow limited amendments to a bill during floor debate.
Multiple Referrals
The practice of sending a bill to multiple committees for review.
Omnibus Legislation / Christmas Tree Bill
A bill that contains multiple unrelated provisions, often used to pass controversial measures attached to necessary legislation.
Open Rule
A House rule allowing amendments to a bill during debate.
Party Polarization
The growing ideological divide between Republicans and Democrats, leading to legislative gridlock.
Politico Model
A hybrid representation model where legislators sometimes act as delegates (following constituent preferences) and other times as trustees (using their judgment).
Pork-Barrel Legislation / Earmarks
Government spending directed toward specific projects in legislators' districts to gain political support.
President Pro Tempore
The longest-serving member of the majority party in the Senate, serving as the presiding officer in the absence of the vice president.
Private Bill
Legislation that affects an individual, such as immigration relief for a single person.
Public Bill
Legislation that applies to the general public, such as tax laws or healthcare policies.
Quorum / Quorum Call
The minimum number of legislators needed to conduct business (218 in the House, 51 in the Senate).
Restrictive Rule
A House rule limiting the types of amendments that can be made to a bill.
Roll-Call Vote
A recorded vote where each member's stance is publicly documented.
Safe Districts
Electoral districts where one party consistently wins by a large margin.
Iron Triangles
The relationship between interest groups, congressional committees, and bureaucratic agencies that influence policy-making.
Redistricting / Apportionment
The process of redrawing congressional district boundaries based on population changes after the census.
Gerrymandering
Manipulating district boundaries to favor one political party.
Malapportionment
Unequal population distribution across districts, violating the 'one person, one vote' principle.
Legislative Process
The series of steps a bill goes through before becoming law, including committee review, floor debate, and presidential approval.
Interstate Commerce Clause
A constitutional provision giving Congress authority to regulate trade between states, often used to justify federal power expansion.
Leadership Structure
The hierarchical organization of congressional leaders, including the Speaker, Majority/Minority Leaders, and Whips.
Rider
A provision attached to a bill that may be unrelated to the main legislation, often used to pass controversial measures.
Sophomore Surge
The increase in votes that congressional incumbents usually receive when running for their first re-election.
Proliferation
The rapid increase in the number of interest groups.
Interest Groups
Organizations that seek to influence public policy based on shared concerns or interests.
Federalist No. 10
James Madison's argument that a large republic can control factions better than a small one.
501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4)
Nonprofit organizations; 501(c)(3)s are tax-exempt and cannot engage in political lobbying, while 501(c)(4)s can.
527 Organization
Political groups that influence elections without directly supporting candidates, often through issue ads.
Super PACs
Political action committees that can raise unlimited funds but cannot coordinate with candidates.
Lobby/Lobbying
The act of attempting to influence policymakers on behalf of an interest group.
Grassroots Lobbying
Mobilizing the public to pressure lawmakers.
Astroturf Lobbying
Fake grassroots efforts created by organizations to simulate public support.
Political Cues
Signals that guide lawmakers on how to vote, often provided by interest groups.
Revolving Door
The movement of individuals between government positions and lobbying firms, raising concerns about conflicts of interest.
