Organization of Congress

Speaker of the House

The presiding officer of the House of Representatives, responsible for maintaining order and leading the House. Currently, the Speaker of the House is Kevin McCarthy.

Senate

The upper chamber of Congress, with senators serving six-year terms. As of now, notable members include Chuck Schumer (Majority Leader) and Mitch McConnell (Minority Leader).

President Pro Tempore

A senator of the majority party who presides over the Senate in the absence of the vice president. The current President Pro Tempore is Patty Murray.

Majority Party

The political party that has more members in a legislative body, enabling it to have greater control over proceedings. Currently, the Democratic Party holds the majority in both the House and Senate.

Minority Leader

The leader of the minority party in either the House of Representatives or the Senate. In the House, this role is held by Hakeem Jeffries, while in the Senate, it is held by Mitch McConnell.

Whip

An assistant party leader in Congress responsible for managing party discipline and counting votes. Current Whips include Tom Emmer for the House Republicans and Dick Durbin for the Senate Democrats.

Caucus

A group of members of Congress who meet to pursue common legislative objectives.

President Pro Tempore

A senator of the majority party who presides over the Senate in the absence of the vice president.

Legislative Branch

The branch of government responsible for making laws, consisting of Congress.

Bipartisan

Involving members of two different political parties.

Filibuster

A tactic employed in the Senate to delay or prevent a vote on a bill by extending debate.

Quorum

The minimum number of members needed to conduct official business in Congress.

Budget

An estimate of revenue and expenditure for a set period, used in Congress for funding proposals.

Congressional Term

A period of two years during which Congress meets to conduct its business.

Electoral Vote

The votes cast by members of the Electoral College, which is responsible for electing the President and Vice President.

Impeachment

A formal process in which an official is accused of unlawful activity, potentially leading to removal from office.

Legislation

Laws that are enacted or proposed by Congress.

Committee

A group of members in Congress appointed to examine matters related to their area of expertise.

Constituent

A person represented by an elected official.

Incumbent

An existing officeholder, typically running for re-election.

Gavel

A small mallet used by a presiding officer to signal for order or to call a session to order.

Debate

A formal discussion of opposing viewpoints on a specific issue or proposal in Congress.

Senatorial Courtesy

The custom whereby a senator may veto a presidential appointment in his or her state.

Veto

The constitutional right of the president to reject a proposal made by Congress.

What is a Congressional Term?

A period of two years during which Congress meets to conduct its business.

When does a Congressional Term begin?

A Congressional Term begins on January 3rd of odd-numbered years.

When does a Congressional Term end?

A Congressional Term ends on January 3rd two years after it begins.