Here are the AP U.S. Government definitions for the listed terms:
1. Senate – One of the two chambers of Congress, consisting of 100 members (two per state), responsible for confirming presidential appointments and ratifying treaties.
2. House – The House of Representatives, the lower chamber of Congress, consisting of 435 members apportioned based on state populations.
3. Constituent – A person who is represented by an elected official in government.
4. Implied Powers – Powers not explicitly stated in the Constitution but derived from the Necessary and Proper Clause (Elastic Clause).
5. Enumerated Powers – Powers explicitly granted to Congress by the Constitution, such as the power to tax and regulate commerce.
6. Revenue – Money collected by the government, primarily through taxes, to fund public services.
7. Tax Revenue – Government income generated from taxation.
8. Budget – A financial plan outlining government expenditures and revenues for a specific period.
9. Speaker of the House – The presiding officer of the House of Representatives, elected by the majority party, and second in the presidential line of succession.
10. Filibuster – A tactic used in the Senate to delay or block legislative action by extending debate indefinitely.
11. Cloture – A Senate procedure requiring a three-fifths majority (60 votes) to end a filibuster and proceed to a vote.
12. Rules Committee – A powerful House committee that sets the terms for debate and amendments on bills.
13. Committee of the Whole – A procedure used in the House to expedite legislation by allowing a faster debate with fewer restrictions.
14. Discharge Petitions – A House process that forces a bill out of committee for a floor vote if signed by a majority of representatives.
15. Entitlements – Government programs that provide benefits to individuals who meet specific eligibility requirements, such as Social Security and Medicare.
16. Discretionary Spending – Government spending that is negotiated through the annual budget process and is not mandated by law.