AP US Gov (copy)

Congress’s constitutional design

Shapes how it makes policy.

Elected lawmakers

Work to improve the United States while representing people of unique views.

House and Senate differences

Each has chamber-specific roles and rules impacting law and policy making.

Leadership roles in Congress

Congress is organized into leadership roles, committees, and procedures.

Majority party

The party with the most members that sets the agenda through its leaders.

Standing committees

Where the real work gets done, especially in the more structured House.

Committees in Congress

Are fixtures for drafting laws and managing legislative processes.

Speaker of the House

The only official congressional leader named in the Constitution.

President of the Senate

The vice president's role as nonvoting leader in the Senate.

President pro tempore

Ceremonial position held by the most senior member of the majority party.

Committee of the Whole

A unique House operation that allows relaxed rules for longer debate.

Filibuster

A tactic in the Senate to delay or block legislation by prolonged debate.

Pork-barrel spending

Funds earmarked for specific purposes benefiting a legislator’s district.

Mandatory spending

Payment required by law for programs like Social Security and Medicare.

Discretionary spending

Funding that congressional committees debate and decide how to divide.

Logrolling

Trading votes to gain support for a bill in Congress.

Generating a budget

Involves a complex process beginning with a proposal from the executive branch.

Committee assignments

Are made by the Senate majority leader and House Rules Committee.

Congressional Budget Office (CBO)

Examines and analyzes budget proposals and serves as a check on the president.

Constituents

The people that lawmakers represent and whose support they seek.

Leadership hierarchy

Strong personalities and skilled politicians rise to influence government.

Omnibus bill

Includes multiple areas of law and can contain numerous riders.

Unanimous consent

Approval of all senators required for certain actions in the Senate.