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The House of Representatives
Based on population with 435 members serving 2-year terms
Senate
Based on two delegates from each state serving 6 year terms
Coalitions
Groups within Congress that align to specific policy goals
Powers of Congress
Lawmaking, oversight, and the power of the purse. These also include many of the Expressed Powers in Article I, Sec. 8.
Speaker of the House
Most powerful position in the House of Representatives. Elected by the representatives.
Congressional hearings
Meetings held by Congress to gather information, investigate issues, or question officials as part of legislative or oversight responsibilities
House Rules Committee
A powerful committee that determines when a bill will be subject to debate and vote on the House floor, how long the debate will last, and whether amendments will be allowed on the floor
The Committee of the Whole
Consists of all House members and meets in the House chamber, but is governed by different rules, making it easier to consider complex and controversial legislation
Gerrymandering
The manipulation of electoral district boundaries to favor a particular party or group
Redistricting
The redrawing of electoral district boundaries, usually after a census, to reflect population changes
Pork barrel
A type of government legislation which allocates spending directed to a legislator's district for specific projects, often criticized as wasteful
Logrolling
The practice of legislators exchanging votes to gain support for their respective bills or initiatives
Gridlock/partisan division
Situations where political disagreements between parties or branches hinder the legislative progress
Divided government
Occurs when two parties control the powers of government; Congress is controlled by one party majority and the presidency Is controlled by the other
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