Legislative Branch Vocab

Committee

a group of people appointed for a specific function, typically consisting of members of a larger group.

Veto

a constitutional right to reject a decision or proposal made by a law-making body.

Impeachment

(especially in the US) a charge of misconduct made against the holder of a public office.

Bicameral Legislature

Describes what a two-chamber legislature in a government looks like.

Filibuster

an action such as a prolonged speech that obstructs progress in a legislative assembly while not technically contravening the required procedures.

Gerrymandering

manipulate the boundaries of (an electoral constituency) so as to favor one party or class.

Incumbent

(of an official or regime) currently holding office.

Caucus

(in some US states) a meeting at which local members of a political party register their preference among candidates running for office or select delegates to attend a convention.

Constituent

a member of a constituency.

Reapportionment

the reassignment of representatives proportionally among the states in accordance with changes in population distribution

Redistricting

divide or organize (an area) into new political or school districts

Contravene

violate the prohibition or order of (a law, treaty, or code of conduct).

constituency

a body of voters in a specified area who elect a representative to a legislative body.

Contiguous

sharing a common border; touching.

How many people are in the house (119th Congress)

435 (as of 119th Congress)

How many people are in the Senate (119th Congress)

100 (as of the 119th Congress)

What three requirements to be a Senator?

-Must be at least 30 years old

-must have been a U.S citizen for nine years

-must live in the state they represent

What are three requirements to be a Representative?

-must be at least 25 years of age

-must have been a resident of the U.S for seven years

-must live in the state they represent

How many people does a state send to house?

Depends on population

How many people does a state send to Senate?

Two per state

Which member of the Executive Branch serves as President of the Senate

Vice President

How many years does a Representative serve?

Two years

How many years does a Senator serve?

Six years

What ratio is required to pass a bill?

Simple Majority (51%)

Requirements to become President

• must be a born U.S citizen

• Must be at least 35 years old

• Must have been a resident in the U.S for the last fourteen years

What majority do you need to add an amendment?

Super Majority (66%)

What is Cracking?

Spreading opposition voters across many districts to dilute their influence

What is Packing?

Concentrating opposition voters into a few districts

What article in the constitution covers the Legislative Branch?

Article l