CHAPTER 10 The National Legislature

These flashcards cover key concepts related to the structure and functions of the U.S. Congress as discussed in Chapter 10.

Bicameral Legislature

A legislature that consists of two houses or chambers.

Term of Congress

The length of time that officials serve after an election, which can be two or six years.

Session of Congress

A regular period of time during which Congress conducts its business.

Prorogue

The power of the President to adjourn a session of Congress.

Reapportionment

The process of redistributing seats in the House of Representatives based on population after each census.

Gerrymandering

The act of drawing congressional district boundaries to favor a particular political party.

Frank

A facsimile signature used by members of Congress to mail letters and other materials postage-free.

Oversight Function

The process by which Congress checks to see that executive agencies are working effectively.

Qualifications for House Members

Must be at least 25 years old, a citizen for at least seven years, and an inhabitant of the state they represent.

Qualifications for Senators

Must be at least 30 years old, a citizen for at least nine years, and an inhabitant of the state they represent.