Untitled Flashcards Set

Special Session

An emergency meeting of Congress called by the President.

Constituents

The residents of a given state who voted a politician into office.

Gerrymandering

The practice of drawing district lines to favor one political party.

Oversight Function

The process by which Congress checks the executive branch's implementation of laws.

Term

The length of time a congressperson is elected to serve.

Prorogue

A power granted to the President to end a session of Congress.

President Pro Tempore

A high-ranking senator of the majority party who presides over the Senate in the absence of the Vice President.

Speaker of the House

The presiding officer of the House of Representatives.

Incumbent

A candidate who currently holds an office and is seeking reelection.

Floor Consideration

Refers to a potential law being debated and voted on by the full membership of the House or Senate.

Whip

An assistant to the Majority and Minority Leaders that maintains order within a party or caucus.

Bill

A proposal for action that, when passed, has the force of law.

Pigeonholed

When committees set a bill aside and no longer consider it.

Caucus

A closed-door meeting of members of Congress belonging to the same party.