Legislative Vocab Quiz

Apportionment

The allocation of House seats

Casework

Officeholder helped constituents solve problems

Caucus

Network of groups that are members of Congress; May or may not be party based

Closed rule

No amendments allowed to bill

Cloture

When Filibusters may be stopped when 60% of Senators vote to stop it

Continuous body

When elections are staggered to where only a fraction of the body is up for election, used in the Senate

Constituents

The people and interests the elected officials represent

Delegate

Votes the way of the constituents regardless of their own opinions

Discharge petition

218 House members vote to have it come out of committee

Divided government

When the President is from a different party from either or both the House and the Senate

Earmark

A provision in legislation that directs funds to a specific project or program, usually when requested by a member of Congress

Filibuster

Tactic Senators use to delay or stop a vote on a bill by “talking it to death”

Franking

Benefit in which congressmen can mail postage-free

Gerrymandering

Setting up a congressional district to favor a certain party or group

Hold

Tactic senators use to show objections

Incumbent

Those already holding office running for re-election

Logrolling

Congressmen support other members pet projects in order to get support for their own

Markup

The process of debating, amending, and rewriting of a bill

Oversight

Congress has an oversight role over federal agencies

Perks

Benefits/advantages congressmen receive, such as franking and logrolling

Pigeonholing

Holding up a bill in a committee

Politico

Depends on the issue whether they vote as a delegate or trustee

Pork

Bills/riders passed for pet projects

Quorum

Least number of Reps required to be present to conduct business or vote on a bill

Reapportionment

Process of reallocating the House seats every 10 years after Census

Redistricting

Redrawing boundaries of each congressional district to accommodate population shifts after the 10 year Census

Riders

Amendments added to a bill

Senatorial Courtesy

An agreement among Senators to not vote for a nominee opposed by Senators from nominee’s home state

Seniority

The most long-standing member is given more consideration for leadership positions

Trustee

Votes based on their own opinion

Whips

Directs voting of party members, keeps track of votes, pressure members to vote with party