Congress Key Terms
Bicameral Legislature
A lawmaking body with two chambers (e.g., U.S. Congress: House + Senate).
Filibuster
A Senate tactic where a senator talks for an extended time to delay or block a vote on a bill.
Marginal Districts
Districts where elections are close and winners receive less than 55% of the vote. Considered competitive.
Safe Districts
Districts where the incumbent wins easily with 55%+ of the vote. Not competitive.
Malapportionment
Drawing districts of unequal population, giving some voters more influence than others. (Unconstitutional.)
Gerrymandering
Intentionally drawing district lines to favor a political party or group.
Majority-Minority Districts
Districts drawn so a racial or ethnic minority makes up the majority of voters.
Sophomore Surge
The tendency for first-term incumbents to win a larger percentage of the vote the second time they run.
Majority/Minority Leader
The top leaders of the majority and minority parties in each chamber; they guide legislation and coordinate party strategy.
Whip
Party official who counts votes, enforces discipline, and makes sure members vote with the party.
Party Polarization
When political parties become more ideologically divided, with fewer moderates.
Congressional Caucus
An association of members of Congress who share interests or characteristics, used for coordination (e.g., Black Caucus).
Standing Committees
Permanent committees that handle most legislative work (e.g., Ways & Means).
Select Committees
Temporary committees formed for a specific purpose, often investigations.
Joint Committees
Committees with members from both House and Senate to study issues.
Conference Committee
Temporary committee with members of both chambers used to reconcile House–Senate differences in a bill.
Public Bill
A bill that applies to the general public (ex: taxes, healthcare).
Private Bill
A bill that applies to a specific person or group (ex: immigration cases).
Simple Resolution
Passed by one chamber only; expresses opinion or sets chamber rules. Not law.
Concurrent Resolution
Passed by both chambers, but does not become law; expresses opinion or coordinates actions.
Joint Resolution
Passed by both chambers; can become law if signed by president.
Used for constitutional amendments (which don’t need presidential signature).
Multiple Referral
A bill is sent to more than one committee at the same time.
Sequential Referral
A bill is sent to one committee after another in sequence.
Discharge Petition
A majority of the House (218 members) signs to force a bill out of committee and onto the floor.
Closed Rule
No amendments can be added during debate.
Open Rule
Any member can offer amendments.
Restrictive Rule
Allows some amendments but limits others.
Rider
A provision added to a bill that is unrelated to the bill’s main topic.
Christmas Tree Bill
A bill with many riders attached.
Quorum / Quorum Call
Quorum: Minimum members needed to do business (House: 218, Senate: 51).
Quorum Call: A roll taken to check if quorum is present.
Cloture Rule
Senate rule requiring 60 votes to end a filibuster.
Double-Tracking
When the Senate temporarily sets aside a bill being filibustered to work on other business.
Voice Vote
Members shout “yea” or “nay.”
Division Vote
Members stand to be counted.
Teller Vote
Members pass between two tellers who count votes (House only; rarely used).
Roll-Call Vote
Votes are recorded individually by name (electronic in House; calling names in Senate).
Pork-Barrel Legislation
Spending on local projects aimed at helping a representative’s district.
Franking Privilege
Members of Congress can send mail for free using their signature instead of postage.