Congress & Policymaking

House v. Senate differences

House: larger, stricter rules, closer to people, revenue bills start here.
Senate: smaller, unlimited debate (filibuster), confirms appointments/treaties

Pork barrel legislation

Funding for local projects inserted into bills to benefit a members district

Congressional models of voting 

Delegate, trustee, and politico models describing how members decide votes 

Gridlock 

When government struggles to pass laws because of disagreements 

Divided government

Different parties control the presidency and congress, slowing lawmaking

Polarization

Growing ideologicial distance between political parties

Revenue bills 

tax bills must start in the house of representatives