Congress

Congress

The legislative body that makes laws and represents the people.

Concept of Representation

The idea that representatives must decide what stands for the people they represent.

Delegate

A model of representation where representatives take instructions from constituents.

Trustee

A model of representation where representatives use their own judgment in the best interest of the constituents.

Politico

A representative who mixes elements of delegate and trustee models and is politically savvy.

Descriptive Representation

Representation that reflects demographic characteristics such as age, gender, race, and job.

Majority Rule

The principle that the majority's preferences should be reflected in governance.

Filibuster

A tactic used in the Senate to delay or prevent a vote by extending debate.

Cloture

A procedure to end a filibuster, requiring a 60-vote majority in the Senate.

Earmarks

Funds provided by Congress for specific projects or programs, often seen as a way to direct spending.

Conference Committee

A temporary committee formed to reconcile differences between the House and Senate versions of a bill.

Veto

The President's power to reject a bill passed by Congress.

Committee(s)

Groups within Congress that specialize in different areas of legislation and policy.

Majority Party Advantages

Benefits enjoyed by the party with the most seats in Congress, including control over committee chairmanships.

House Speaker

The leader of the House of Representatives, elected by the members, who manages House proceedings.

Senate Leadership

The hierarchy of leadership in the Senate, including the Majority Leader and Minority Leader.

Legislative Process

The steps through which a bill becomes law, including introduction, committee review, and voting.

Unorthodox Lawmaking

The process of passing legislation that may skip traditional steps, such as the rapid passage of the Patriot Act.

Public Opinion

The aggregate of individual attitudes or beliefs about political issues and politicians.

Constituency

The body of voters or the residents of a district represented by a particular elected official.

Pork

Government spending that is intended to benefit constituents in return for their political support.