Congress Key Terms

Bicameral Legislature

A lawmaking body with two chambers, such as the U.S. Congress, which consists of the House and Senate.

Filibuster

A Senate tactic where a senator talks for an extended time to delay or block a vote on a bill.

Marginal Districts

Districts where elections are close and winners receive less than 55% of the vote.

Safe Districts

Districts where the incumbent wins easily with 55% or more of the vote.

Malapportionment

Drawing districts of unequal population, giving some voters more influence than others.

Gerrymandering

Intentionally drawing district lines to favor a political party or group.

Majority-Minority Districts

Districts drawn so that a racial or ethnic minority makes up the majority of voters.

Sophomore Surge

The tendency for first-term incumbents to win a larger percentage of the vote the second time they run.

Majority/Minority Leader

The top leaders of the majority and minority parties in each chamber, responsible for guiding legislation.

Whip

A party official who counts votes, enforces discipline, and ensures party members vote together.

Party Polarization

When political parties become more ideologically divided, with fewer moderates.

Congressional Caucus

An association of members of Congress who share interests or characteristics.

Standing Committees

Permanent committees that handle most legislative work.

Select Committees

Temporary committees formed for a specific purpose, often investigations.

Joint Committees

Committees with members from both House and Senate to study issues.

Conference Committee

Temporary committee with members of both chambers used to reconcile House–Senate differences in a bill.

Public Bill

A bill that applies to the general public.

Private Bill

A bill that applies to a specific person or group.

Simple Resolution

Passed by one chamber only; expresses opinion or sets chamber rules, not law.

Concurrent Resolution

Passed by both chambers but does not become law; expresses opinion or coordinates actions.

Joint Resolution

Passed by both chambers; can become law if signed by the president.

Multiple Referral

A bill sent to more than one committee at the same time.

Sequential Referral

A bill sent to one committee after another in sequence.

Discharge Petition

A majority of the House signs to force a bill out of committee and onto the floor.

Closed Rule

No amendments can be added during debate.

Open Rule

Any member can offer amendments.

Restrictive Rule

Allows some amendments but limits others.

Rider

A provision added to a bill that is unrelated to the bill’s main topic.

Christmas Tree Bill

A bill with many riders attached.

Quorum

Minimum members needed to do business (House: 218, Senate: 51).

Quorum Call

A roll taken to check if quorum is present.

Cloture Rule

Senate rule requiring 60 votes to end a filibuster.

Double-Tracking

When the Senate temporarily sets aside a bill being filibustered to work on other business.

Voice Vote

Members shout 'yea' or 'nay'.

Division Vote

Members stand to be counted.

Teller Vote

Members pass between two tellers who count votes (House only; rarely used).

Roll-Call Vote

Votes recorded individually by name.

Pork-Barrel Legislation

Spending on local projects aimed at helping a representative’s district.

Franking Privilege

Members of Congress can send mail for free using their signature instead of postage.