Unit 2: COngress

Republicanism

The democratic principle that the will of the people is reflected in government debates and decisions by their representatives.

Bicameral structure of Congress

The division of Congress into two chambers: the Senate, which represents states equally, and the House, which represents the people.

House of Representatives

The chamber of Congress with 435 members, where debate is more formal.

Senate

The chamber of Congress with 100 members, where debate is less formal.

Two-party system

A political system dominated by two major parties, affecting interactions in Congress.

Term-length differences

The varying lengths of terms for members of Congress, with one-third of the Senate elected every two years and all House members elected every two years.

Enumerated powers

Specific powers granted to Congress by the Constitution, including passing a federal budget and declaring war.

Implied powers

Powers not explicitly stated in the Constitution but necessary for Congress to carry out its enumerated powers.

Necessary and proper clause

A clause in the Constitution that allows Congress to enact legislation required to carry out its enumerated powers.

Committee system

The process by which both chambers refer bills to committees that conduct hearings, debate, and mark up bills.

Speaker of the House

The elected leader of the House of Representatives who presides over legislative work.

Rules Committee

A committee in the House that establishes rules for debate on bills.

Committee of the Whole

A procedure in the House that allows all members to participate in debate on a bill to expedite the process.

Filibuster

A tactic used in the Senate to prolong debate and delay or prevent a vote on a bill.

Conference committee

A committee that reconciles differences in wording of a bill passed by both chambers on the same topic.

Mandatory spending

Spending required by law for entitlement programs such as Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid.

Discretionary spending

Spending approved on an annual basis for programs like defense, education, and infrastructure.

Pork-barrel legislation

Funding for a local project included in a larger appropriation bill.

Logrolling

The practice of combining several pieces of legislation into one bill to secure enough votes for passage.

Partisan voting

Voting behavior where members of Congress vote based on their political party affiliation.

Polarization

The movement of political attitudes toward ideological extremes, often leading to gridlock.

Gridlock

A situation in which no congressional action on legislation can be taken due to a lack of consensus.

Gerrymandering

The manipulation of electoral district boundaries to favor one party over another.

Divided government

A situation where one party controls the presidency and another party controls at least one chamber of Congress.

Accountability to constituents

The responsibility of representatives to act in the interests of those who elected them.

Trustee

A representative who votes based on their own knowledge and judgment.

Delegate

A representative who votes based on the interests of their constituents.

Politico

A representative who uses a combination of the trustee and delegate roles.