Gov ch2

Pork barrel spending

Government spending that is intended to benefit constituents of a politician in return for their political support.

Logrolling

The practice of exchanging favors, especially in politics, by reciprocal voting for each other's proposed legislation.

Oversight

The review, monitoring, and supervision of government programs, policies, and activities.

Apportionment

The process of distributing the seats in the House of Representatives among the states based on population.

Redistricting

The process of redrawing electoral district boundaries, usually after a census.

Gerrymandering (racial and partisan)

The manipulation of electoral district boundaries to favor one party over another or to enhance the representation of a particular racial group.

Incumbency advantage

The electoral edge afforded to those already in office, due to factors like name recognition and access to resources.

Speaker of the House

The presiding officer of the House of Representatives, responsible for leading the House and facilitating legislative process.

Whip

A party official in Congress responsible for mobilizing votes and ensuring party discipline.

House Rules Committee

A committee in the House of Representatives that determines the rules and procedures for legislation.

Filibuster

A tactic used in the Senate to delay or block legislative action, often through prolonged speeches.

Cloture

A procedure for ending a filibuster and bringing a matter to a vote in the Senate.

Mandatory spending

Government spending that is required by existing law, such as Social Security and Medicare.

Discretionary spending

Government spending that is not mandated by law and can be adjusted through the annual appropriations process.

Delegate role

A role in which a legislator acts as a representative of their constituents’ interests.

Trustee role

A role in which a legislator makes decisions based on their own judgment and values.

Politico role

A hybrid role where a legislator acts both as a delegate and a trustee, depending on the issue.

Bipartisanship

Cooperation and collaboration between two major political parties.

Divided government

A situation in which one party controls the presidency while another party controls one or both houses of Congress.

Lame duck period

The time period after an election when the current officeholders do not have to worry about re-election.