American Institutions: The Legislature

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to the structure and functions of the U.S. legislature, including legislative processes, representation theories, and congressional responsibilities.

Legislation

The process of making or enacting laws.

Representation

The act of speaking or acting on behalf of someone, particularly in a legislative context.

Oversight

The responsibility of Congress to monitor the actions of the executive branch.

Advice and Consent

The Senate's constitutional obligation to approve or reject presidential appointments and treaties.

Impeachment

The process by which a high official is charged with misconduct.

Bicameral

A legislative body that has two chambers, such as the House of Representatives and the Senate.

Rules Committee

A committee in the House that sets the rules for debate on a bill.

Filibuster

A tactic used in the Senate to prolong debate and delay or prevent a vote.

Cloture Vote

A procedure for ending a filibuster and bringing a debate to a close, requiring a vote of 3/5 or 60 senators.

Conference Committee

A joint committee that reconciles differences in bills passed by the House and Senate.

Pocket Veto

A strategy that allows the president to indirectly veto a bill by not signing it within ten days.

Sociological Representation

A theory that suggests representatives should share demographic traits with their constituents.

Agency Representation

A concept that emphasizes the representative's electoral incentive to act in the interest of constituents.

Delegate Representation

When representatives are expected to act on the explicit wishes of their constituents.

Trustee Representation

When representatives use their judgment to make decisions in the best interest of their constituents.

Majority-Minority Districts

Electoral districts in which the majority of the constituents belong to a minority group.