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House of representatives
One of the two chambers of the United States Congress, the _____. It is the lower chamber, consisting of members elected from congressional districts based on population.
Senate
The other chamber of the United States Congress, serving as the upper house. It consists of two senators from each state, regardless of population.
Bicameral
A legislative system with two separate chambers or houses. The U.S. Congress is an example of a _______ legislature.
Constituent
A person represented by a legislator or a member of a constituency. _____ are individuals who reside in a specific geographic area represented by an elected official.
Implied Powers
Powers not explicitly stated in the Constitution but inferred to be necessary for carrying out the functions of the government. Derived from the elastic or necessary and proper clause.
Enumerated Powers
Powers explicitly listed in the U.S. Constitution as belonging to the federal government. These powers define the authority of Congress.
Expressed Powers
Another term for enumerated powers, referring to those powers specifically and clearly granted to the federal government by the Constitution.
17th Amendment
An amendment to the U.S. Constitution that established the direct election of senators by the people, replacing the previous method where senators were chosen by state legislatures.
Congressional Research Office
A nonpartisan research agency that provides information and analysis to Congress to support informed decision-making on legislative issues.
Riders
Additional provisions added to a bill that may be unrelated to the main purpose of the legislation, often used to attach controversial measures.
Filibuster
A tactic used in the Senate to prolong debate on a bill, with the aim of delaying or preventing a vote.
Cloture
A procedure used in the Senate to end a filibuster and bring a bill to a vote, requiring a three-fifths majority vote.
Discharge Petitions
A mechanism by which a majority of the House can bring a bill to the floor for consideration, bypassing committee review if the committee refuses to act.
Double Tracking
A Senate procedure allowing multiple committees to process, allowing for a higher likelihood of a passing of a bill.
Mark Up
The process by which a congressional committee debates, amends, and rewrites proposed legislation.
Sequential Referral
A process where a bill is referred to multiple committees sequentially for review and consideration.
Closed Rule
A set of rules governing the debate and amendment process on a bill, limiting or prohibiting amendments on the floor.
Open Rule
A set of rules allowing for more liberal debate and amendment opportunities on the floor for a particular bill.
Quorum
The minimum number of members required to be present for a legislative body to conduct official business.
Quorum Call
A procedure used to determine if a quorum is present in the chamber.
Franking Privilege
The ability of members of Congress to send mail to constituents at the government's expense.
Majority Leader
The leader of the majority party in either the House or the Senate, responsible for coordinating legislative activities.
Minority Leader
The leader of the minority party in either the House or the Senate, responsible for representing the minority party's interests.
President Pro Tempore
The senator, usually the most senior member of the majority party, who presides over the Senate in the absence of the Vice President.
Speaker of the House
The presiding officer and leader of the House of Representatives, elected by members of the House.
Whip
A member of Congress, typically in a leadership role, responsible for ensuring party discipline and attendance during votes.
Caucus (not nominating)
A group of members of Congress sharing common interests or goals, often organized around specific policy issues or demographic characteristics.
Committee of the whole
A procedure in the House of Representatives where the entire House sits as a committee to consider and amend legislation, allowing for a more informal and flexible debate process.
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