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House of Representatives

The lower chamber of Congress where representation is based on state population.

Senate

The upper chamber of Congress where each state has two members.

Conference Committee

A temporary group from both chambers that works out differences between House and Senate versions of a bill.

Logrolling

When lawmakers agree to support each other’s bills.

Joint Committee

A committee with members from both the House and Senate that studies issues or oversees areas.

Pork Barrel Spending

Money added to bills for local projects to win voter support.

Rider

An extra, often unrelated, addition to a bill.

Select Committee

A temporary committee made for a specific issue or investigation.

Christmas Tree Bill

A bill with many riders attached to gain votes.

Whip

Assistant to party leaders who “whips up” votes and keeps members voting together.

Delegate Model

When lawmakers vote how their voters want.

Trustee Model

When lawmakers vote based on what they think is best.

Politico Model

A mix of delegate and trustee models depending on the issue.

Gerrymandering

Redrawing districts to favor one party.

Gridlock

When Congress can’t pass laws due to disagreement.

Baker v. Carr

Court case saying federal courts can rule on redistricting (“one person, one vote”).

Shaw v. Reno

Court case ruling racial gerrymandering is unconstitutional.

Powers of the Senate (Exclusive)

Special powers only the Senate has, like approving nominations, treaties, and impeachment trials.

Advice and Consent

The Senate’s power to approve presidential nominations (judges, ambassadors, cabinet).

Treaty Approval

The Senate must approve treaties negotiated by the president.

Impeachment Trial

The Senate holds the trial to remove officials after the House impeaches them; needs ⅔ vote to convict.

Filibuster

A tactic where senators speak for a long time to delay or block a vote.

Congressional Committees

Smaller groups in Congress that do most of the lawmaking work and review bills.

Standing Committees

Permanent committees that handle major government topics (like defense or agriculture).

Subcommittees

Smaller parts of standing committees focusing on more specific issues.

Committee Chair

The leader of a committee, usually from the majority party.

Oversight

Congress’s power to check how government agencies and the executive branch are doing their jobs.

Congressional Caucus

A group of Congress members who share goals or interests (political, regional, or social).

Iron Triangle

A relationship between Congress, government agencies, and interest groups that helps each other’s goals.

Bill

A proposed law that is still being discussed or voted on.

Law

A bill that has passed Congress and been signed by the president.

Party Polarization

The increasing ideological distance between political parties, leading to greater division and reduced bipartisan cooperation in government.