Congress Vocab

bicameral legislature

A legislature with two separate chambers or houses.

session

A period during which a legislature meets to conduct its business.

census

An official count or survey of a population, typically recording various details of individuals.

reapportionment

The process of redistributing seats in a legislative body based on changes in population.

redistrict

To change the boundaries of electoral districts.

gerrymander

To manipulate the boundaries of an electoral district to favor one party or class.

at-large

Elected by the entire electorate rather than from a specific district.

censure

A formal statement of disapproval.

incumbent

The current holder of a political office.

formulate

To create or devise methodically.

occur

To happen or take place.

trace

To follow or discover the course or development of something.

constituent

A person who is represented by an elected official.

caucus

A meeting of supporters or members of a specific political party or movement.

majority leader

The head of the majority party in a legislative body.

whip

A party official whose primary purpose is to ensure party discipline in votes.

bill

A proposed law presented for debate and approval.

calendar

A schedule of events or a list of bills to be considered by a legislative body.

concurrent jurisdiction

The authority of more than one court to hear the same type of case.

quorum

The minimum number of members required to conduct business in a legislative assembly.

succession

The order in which individuals may succeed to a position or office.

parallel

Similar or analogous in development or function.

constitute

To make up or form something, set up, establish.

president pro tempore

A high-ranking senator of the majority party who presides over the Senate in the absence of the vice president.

unanimous consent

An agreement by every member present to a proposal.

hold

To delay or prevent a vote on a bill.

filibuster

A tactic used to delay or block legislative action, often by prolonged speech.

cloture resolution

A procedure used to end a filibuster and bring a bill to a vote.

specific

Clearly defined or identified.

assist

A person who helps or aids another.

flexible

Capable of bending easily without breaking; adaptable.

devote

To give time, effort, or attention to a particular task or purpose.

standing committee

A permanent committee that meets regularly.

subcommittee

A smaller committee within a larger committee.

select committee

A temporary committee established for a specific purpose.

joint committee

A committee made up of members from both the House and Senate.

conference committee

A temporary committee formed to resolve differences in House and Senate versions of a bill.

seniority system

A system in which the length of service determines priority or preference in a committee.

issue

An important topic or problem for debate or discussion.

temporary

Not permanent; lasting for a limited time.

personal staff

The people who work directly for individual senators and representatives.

committee staff

The people who work for House and Senate committees.

administrative assistant

Member of a lawmaker's personal staff who runs the lawmaker's office, supervises the schedule, and gives advice.

legislative assistant

A member of a lawmaker's personal staff who makes certain that the lawmaker is well informed about proposed legislation.

caseworker

A member of a lawmaker's personal staff who handles requests for help from constituents.

complex

Consisting of many different and connected parts.

expert

A person with special knowledge or ability who performs skillfully.

coordinate

Working together to complete a task.