U.S. Congress and Legislative Process Notes

Flashcards covering key terms and concepts related to the U.S. Congress and the legislative process.

Congress

The legislative branch of the U.S. government made up of the House of Representatives and the Senate.

Bicameral legislature

A two-house lawmaking body consisting of the House and Senate.

House of Representatives

The lower chamber of Congress with representation based on population, comprised of 435 members.

Speaker of the House

Leader of the House who presides over debates and sets the legislative agenda.

Census

A population count taken every 10 years to determine representation and federal funding.

Apportionment

Dividing the 435 House seats among states based on population after each census.

Redistricting

Redrawing congressional district boundaries every 10 years to reflect population changes.

Gerrymandering

Manipulating district boundaries to favor one political party or group.

Senate

The upper chamber of Congress where each state has 2 senators, totaling 100.

Senate Majority Leader

The top senator of the majority party who controls the Senate agenda.

Primary election

An election where parties choose their candidates for the general election.

General election

The election where voters choose who will hold office.

Incumbents

Politicians currently in office who are running for re-election.

Bills

Proposed laws introduced in Congress.

Hearings

Meetings where committees gather information or question witnesses about bills.

Veto

The president’s power to reject a bill passed by Congress.

Budget reconciliation process

A special process to pass budget-related bills faster with a simple majority in the Senate.

Filibuster

A Senate tactic used to delay or block a vote by speaking for a long time.

Seniority system

Preference for committee leadership given to members who have served the longest.

Lobbying

Attempting to influence lawmakers’ decisions through persuasion or campaign contributions.

PACs (Political Action Committees)

Groups that raise and spend money to elect candidates who support their causes.

Super PACs

Can raise unlimited money to support candidates but cannot directly coordinate with them.

Impeachment

The process by which Congress can remove a president or other officials for wrongdoing.

National (federal) budget

The government’s plan for spending and revenue for the year.

Voting rules and restrictions

Laws determining how, when, and who can vote.

Felon disenfranchisement

Taking away voting rights from people convicted of felonies.

Voter ID laws

Require voters to show identification at polls; often criticized for limiting access.

15th Amendment

Gave African American men the right to vote.

19th Amendment

Gave women the right to vote.

26th Amendment

Lowered the voting age to 18.