Influences on congress-congressional leadership

A collection of flashcards focusing on vocabulary related to the structure and functions of the U.S. Congress, including key positions, processes, and responsibilities.

Constituents

The residents of a congressional district, whose interests members of Congress are expected to represent.

Logrolling

The practice of exchanging favors, especially in politics by reciprocal voting for each other's proposed legislation.

Congressional Oversight

The review, monitoring, and supervision of federal agencies, programs, and policy implementation.

Congressional Review Act (CRA)

An oversight tool allowing Congress to overturn rules issued by federal agencies.

Government Accountability Office (GAO)

An independent agency that audits government expenditures and evaluates governmental efficiency.

Congressional Research Service (CRS)

A legislative research organization providing support and expertise to Congress.

Congressional Budget Office (CBO)

An agency that provides budget and economic information to Congress, analyzing proposed policies.

Speaker of the House

The presiding officer of the House of Representatives and the most powerful position in Congress.

Majority Leader

The political leader of the party that holds the majority of seats in either chamber of Congress.

Minority Leader

The political leader of the party that holds the minority of seats in either chamber of Congress.

Majority Whip

An official in a political party whose primary purpose is to ensure party discipline in a legislature.

Minority Whip

An official in the minority party in a legislature who assists the leadership in managing party strategy.

President Pro Tempore

A senator, usually the senior member of the majority party, who presides over the Senate in the absence of the Vice President.

Committee Placement

The distribution of members of Congress into committees which handle specific areas of legislation.

Impeachment

The process by which a legislative body can remove a government official for misconduct.

Funding Powers

Congress's constitutional authority to allocate funds and determine how much money the government can spend.

Approval Ratings

Survey assessments of public approval or disapproval of a political leader or governing body.

Party Discipline

The tendency of members of a political party to act together in voting and supporting their party's policies.