The Legislative Branch and Congress

These flashcards focus on key vocabulary and concepts regarding the legislative branch of the United States government, specifically Congress.

Legislative Branch

The branch of government responsible for making laws.

Bicameral

A legislative body composed of two houses, namely the Senate and the House of Representatives.

Power of the Purse

The power of Congress to raise and spend money, including taxation.

Impeachment

The process by which Congress can remove a federal official from office for misconduct.

Senatorial Courtesy

A tradition where senators block presidential nominees unless they are approved by the nominee's home state senator.

Filibuster

A tactic used by senators to delay or prevent a vote on a bill by extending debate.

Quorum

The minimum number of members required to be present for either house of Congress to conduct business.

Mixed Government

A type of governmental structure in which powers are divided among multiple entities or groups.

District Representation

A system where representatives are elected from specific geographic areas, known as congressional districts.

Overriding a Veto

The process by which Congress can pass a bill into law despite the president's veto, requiring a two-thirds majority in both houses.

Joint Committee

A committee composed of members from both the Senate and the House of Representatives.

Resolution

A formal expression of opinion or decision made by a legislative body.

Majority Leader

The head of the majority party in either the House of Representatives or the Senate.

Minority Leader

The head of the minority party in either the House of Representatives or the Senate.

Pocket Veto

A type of veto that occurs when the president takes no action on a bill for ten days while Congress is not in session.

Continuing Resolution

A temporary measure that allows federal agencies to continue operating at current funding levels.

Pork Barrel Spending

The appropriation of government spending for localized projects secured to bring money to a representative's district.

Diversity in Congress

The representation of various demographic characteristics in the elected body, including gender, race, and socioeconomic status.

Trustee Model of Representation

A model where elected officials use their own judgment to decide what is best for their constituents.

Delegate Model of Representation

A model where elected officials act according to the wishes of their constituents.

Substantive Representation

Representation based on whether the representative's stance aligns with the constituents' views on issues.

Descriptive Representation

Representation based on characteristics such as race, gender, or income rather than on specific policy issues.

Amendment

A formal change or addition proposed to a bill or resolution.

Committee System

A method in which Congress delegates the detailed work and considerations of legislation to a smaller group.

Classified Information

Sensitive material that is protected from public disclosure for security reasons.

Majority Whip

An assistant to the majority leader, responsible for ensuring party discipline in voting.

Minority Whip

An assistant to the minority leader, tasked with ensuring that party members vote as a bloc.

Congressional Districts

The areas from which members of the House of Representatives are elected.