US Congress

congressional caucuses

groups of legislators who shore special interest and meet to pursue common legislative objectives

divided government

when the House of Representatives, Senate and presidency are not all controlled by one party

filibuster

when a senator gives a prolonged speech on the floor of the Senate to obstruct legislative progress of a bill

gridlock

where the president and congress are equally powerful, constantly preventing each other from acting, resulting in difficulty passing legislation

incumbency

the current holder of a political office or House or Senate seat of presidency

mid-term elections

congressional elections held mid way through a President’s 4 yr term

oversight

the ability of one branch of government to supervise the work of another

partisanship

congressmen/women are incredibly loyal to their party, even when it means the result of a gridlock

unanimous consent

a senator or congressmen/women may request unanimous consent on the floor to set aside a specified rule of procedure so as to expedite proceedings