Legislative Branch Vocabulary

Flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts related to the Legislative Branch of the United States government.

What is Congress?

The entire legislative body in the United States.

What is the House of Representatives?

The lower house of legislature, with members dependent on state population and serving a 2-year term.

What is the Senate?

The upper house of legislature, with two members represented from each state serving a 6-year term.

What is a bicameral legislature?

A two chamber legislative body.

What does the rule of law mean?

The concept that the government is not above the law.

What are committees in the legislative context?

Groups formed to collect information needed to pass bills.

What is the Necessary & Proper Clause?

A constitutional clause that gives Congress the power to make all laws 'necessary & proper' for executing its powers.

What is the Legislative Branch?

The branch of government responsible for making laws, detailed in Article I of the Constitution.

What does gerrymander mean?

The drawing of electoral district lines to the advantage of a party or group.

What is a constituency?

The people and interests that an elected official represents.