AP US Gov - Unit 2A Vocab

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