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20th Amendment
The amendment to the U.S. Constitution that sets the date for the beginning and ending of each session of Congress.
House of Representatives
The branch of Congress that was originally directly elected by voters and represents the people more closely.
Senate
The branch of Congress that is more stable and less influenced by the emotions and whims of voters.
Congress
The legislative branch of the U.S. government that is responsible for making laws, budgeting, oversight, and checks and balances.
Constituencies
Bodies of voters in an area who elect a Representative or Senator.
Apportionment
The process of redistributing seats in the House of Representatives based on population shifts reflected in the census.
Experience and money
Major factors used in political campaigns, with experience building reputation and money being the lifeblood of a campaign.
Speaker of the House
The most powerful member of the House of Representatives who controls the House agenda and committee assignments.
Majority Leader
The assistant to the Speaker of the House who sets the majority party's agenda.
Majority Whip
The assistant to the majority leader who collects information on member voting and support on key votes and encourages party unity.
Minority Leader
The leader of the minority party in the House of Representatives who coordinates activity within the party.
Minority Whip
The assistant to the minority leader who collects information on member voting and support on key votes and sets party strategy.
Vice President
The official leader of the Senate who casts tie-breaking votes.
President Pro Tempore
The person who presides over the Senate in the absence of the Vice President.
Committees
Groups of members of Congress who work on specific policy areas and play a crucial role in the lawmaking process.
Bill
A proposed law presented to the House or Senate for consideration.
Filibuster
An attempt to talk a bill to death using unlimited debate in the Senate.
Cloture
A procedure to end a filibuster by ending debate in the Senate.
House-Senate Conference Committee
A temporary joint committee that resolves differences between the House and Senate versions of a bill.
Federal Budget
The plan for the federal government's spending for the fiscal year, which is set by the President and Congress.
