C11 Vocab

Constituent

A person represented by an elected official.

Pork

Government funding for local projects that benefit a representative's district.

Standing committee

A permanent committee in Congress that handles specific policy areas.

Conference committee

A temporary joint committee that resolves differences between House and Senate versions of a bill.

Appropriations

The process of approving government spending.

Joint resolution

A measure passed by both chambers that can become law if signed by the president.

Name recognition

When voters know a candidate's name, giving them an election advantage.

Office resources

Staff, office space, and tools provided to help incumbents serve constituents.

Campaign funds

Money raised to support political campaigns.

Bragging rights

Achievements politicians use to promote themselves during elections.

The House of Representatives

The chamber of Congress where representation is based on population.

The Senate

The chamber of Congress with equal representation—two senators per state.

Speaker of the House

The top leader of the House who sets the agenda and leads the majority party.

Majority leader (House)

Leader of the party with the most seats in the House.

Minority leader (House)

Leader of the minority party in the House.

Majority whip (House)

Organizes votes and keeps majority party members in line.

Minority whip (House)

Organizes votes for the minority party in the House.

President of the Senate

The Vice President of the U.S., who presides over the Senate.

President pro tempore

Senior senator of the majority party who presides when the VP is absent.

Majority leader (Senate)

The most powerful senator who sets the legislative agenda.

Minority leader (Senate)

Leader of the minority party in the Senate.

Majority whip (Senate)

Tracks votes and organizes the majority party in the Senate.

Minority whip (Senate)

Tracks votes and organizes the minority party in the Senate.

Subcommittees

Smaller groups within committees that focus on specific issues.

Select committee / special committee

Temporary committees created for a specific purpose.

Joint committee

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

Article l of the Constitution

The section that creates Congress and lists its powers.

Oversight

Congress's power to monitor and review executive branch actions.

Impeachment

The House accusing a federal official of wrongdoing.

Ratification

The Senate's approval of treaties or presidential appointments.

Amendment

A change or addition to the Constitution.

Casework

Assistance lawmakers provide to help constituents with government problems.

Citizen legislatures

Part-time lawmakers with low pay and small staffs.

Professional legislatures

Full-time lawmakers with higher pay and large staffs.

Hybrid legislatures

Legislatures that mix part-time and full-time features.