CH 10

Proportional Representation

A multiple-member district system that allows each political party representation in proportion to its percentage of the total vote.

Appropriations

Amounts of money approved by Congress in statutes that each unit or agency of government can spend.

Gerrymandering

Drawing legislative districts in such a way as to give an unfair advantage to a political party or one racial or ethnic group.

Bicameral

A legislative assembly composed of two chambers or houses.

Pork Barrel Spending

Appropriations made by legislative bodies for local projects often created to win re-election for local representatives.

Redistricting

The process of redrawing election districts and redistributing legislative representatives, conducted every 10 years.

Veto

The president’s constitutional power to turn down acts of Congress.

Pocket Veto

A presidential veto that is automatically triggered if the president does not act on a given piece of legislation during the final 10 days of a legislative session.

Constituency

The residents in the area from which an official is elected.

Majority leader

The elected leader of the majority party in the House or Senate.

Minority leader

The elected leader of the minority party in the House or Senate.

Whip

A party member responsible for coordinating legislative strategy, building support for key issues, and counting votes.

Oversight

Efforts by Congress to exercise control over the activities of executive agencies.

Filibuster

A tactic used by members of the Senate to prevent action on legislation they oppose by continuously speaking.

Role-call vote

A vote in which each legislator’s yes or no vote is recorded alphabetically.

Who controls the redistricting process in most states?

The state legislature, although some have independent commissions.

Why is redistricting important?

It creates an advantage for the party in majority, impacts electoral outcomes, and can influence voter engagement.

Who is the Speaker of the House?

The chief presiding officer of the House of Representatives.

How is the Speaker of the House determined?

Elected by the members of the House of Representatives, typically from the majority party.

How many members are in Congress?

A total of 535 members: 100 Senators and 435 Representatives.

What are the requirements to run for the House of Representatives?

At least 25 years old, a U.S. citizen for at least seven years, and a resident of the state.

What are the requirements to run for the Senate?

At least 30 years old, a U.S. citizen for at least nine years, and a resident of the state.

How long do members of the House of Representatives serve?

A two-year term with the number of representatives based on state population.

How long do members of the Senate serve?

A six-year term with each state having two senators regardless of population.

How representative is Congress regarding women?

151 women currently hold 28.2% of the 535 seats in Congress.

How representative is Congress regarding people of color?

133 members identify as Black, Hispanic, Asian American, American Indian, or Alaska Native.

What profession did most Congress members have before office?

Public service/politics, business, and law.

What is the difference between a bill and a law?

A bill is a proposed law submitted to Congress; a law is a bill passed by both houses and signed by the President.

What is Unorthodox Lawmaking?

Legislative procedures that deviate from regular order to pass laws faster. This happens more often today because of tight deadlines, urgent issues, and political divisions.

What usually happens when a bill goes into committee?

Lawmakers study, debate, and may amend the bill to ensure it is thought-out and necessary.

Why does a bill go into committee?

To ensure well-prepared bills and avoid wasting time on those unlikely to pass.