Congress Test

Standing Committees

Permanent committees that handle specific policy areas, such as Armed Services and Judiciary.

Joint Committees

Composed of members from both the House and Senate to address broad issues like taxation.

Ad Hoc/Special/Select Committees

Temporary committees created for specific purposes, such as investigations.

Conference Committees

Formed to reconcile differences between House and Senate versions of a bill.

Lawmaking

The primary function of Congress which involves creating and passing legislation.

Oversight

Monitoring the executive branch and federal agencies by Congress.

Representation

Acting on behalf of constituents by representatives in Congress.

Constituent Services

Helping individuals navigate government-related issues.

Pork Barreling

Using government funds for projects to benefit a specific district or state.

Gerrymandering

Manipulating district boundaries to benefit a political party.

Redistricting

Redrawing congressional district boundaries every 10 years after the Census.

Franking

Free postal service for members of Congress to communicate with constituents.

Casework

Assistance provided by lawmakers to individual constituents, like helping with social security issues.

Logrolling

Lawmakers exchanging votes to support each other's legislation.

Incumbency

Holding a political office while seeking reelection, giving advantages like name recognition.

Divided Government

When different political parties control the presidency and one or both houses of Congress.

Impeachment

The House initiates impeachment; the Senate conducts the trial and votes on removal.

Speaker of the House

Most powerful position in the House, controls the legislative agenda.

Majority/Minority Leaders

Guide party strategy and manage debates in Congress.

Majority/Minority Whips

Maintain party discipline and ensure members vote according to party lines.

Vice President

Official leader of the Senate, votes only in case of a tie.

President Pro Tempore

The senior-most member of the majority party in the Senate.

Appropriations Committee

Handles government spending in Congress.

Ways and Means Committee

Deals with tax policy in Congress.

Judiciary Committee

Oversees legal and judicial matters within Congress.

Trustee Model

Representatives use their own judgment to make decisions.

Delegate Model

Representatives strictly follow the wishes of their constituents.

Politico Model

A mix of trustee and delegate styles, depending on the issue.

Name Recognition

Familiarity voters have with incumbents, aiding their reelection.

Franking Privilege

Allows incumbents to send free mail to constituents.

Access to Media

Incumbents receive more media coverage to promote their achievements.

Scandals & Corruption

Personal or political scandals that can ruin trust and credibility for incumbents.

Committee Review Process

Steps including hearings, markups, and voting, leading to a bill's advancement.

Filibuster

A Senate delaying tactic where senators talk indefinitely to prevent a vote.

Cloture

A procedure to end a filibuster, requiring 60 votes in the Senate.

Pocket Veto

A bill dies if the president ignores it while Congress adjourns within 10 days.

Name Recognition & Incumbency

Two key factors for winning a congressional election, providing incumbents with advantages.

Congressional Oversight

Monitoring of executive agencies by Congress to ensure accountability.

Congressional Review Act

The power of Congress to nullify executive regulations.

House Rules Committee

Sets the terms of debate for bills in the House, controlling the legislative agenda.

Unique Powers of House and Senate

House initiates revenue bills and can impeach; Senate ratifies treaties and confirms appointments.