AP Gov
Cloture Rule
The cloture rule (Rule XXII of the Senate) is the procedure used to end a filibuster (prolonged debate to delay or prevent a vote). It requires 60 votes (three-fifths of the Senate) to invoke cloture and limit debate, allowing a final vote on the bill or nomination.
Committee of the Whole
A procedural device in the House of Representatives that allows faster debate on legislation. It includes all House members but follows relaxed rules to speed up discussion and amendments before sending the bill back to the full House for a final vote.
Conference Committees
Temporary, bicameral committees formed when the House and Senate pass different versions of the same bill. Their goal is to reconcile differences and produce a compromise bill that both chambers can approve.
Discharge Petitions
A House-only procedure that allows members to force a bill out of committee if the committee refuses to act. Requires 218 signatures (a majority) to bring the bill directly to the House floor for a vote.
Filibuster
A delaying tactic used in the Senate where a senator speaks for an extended time to prevent a vote on a bill. Can only be stopped by cloture (60 votes).
Germane
A rule in the House of Representatives requiring that amendments to a bill must be related to the bill’s topic. The Senate has no such rule, which is why riders (unrelated amendments) can be added to Senate bills.
Hold
A Senate procedure where a senator informs the leadership that they object to bringing a bill or nomination to the floor. This can delay or block legislative action. Holds are often anonymous and can be lifted at any time.
Joint Committees
Committees with members from both the House and Senate, usually for investigations or administrative matters. Unlike conference committees, joint committees do not resolve legislative differences.
Logrolling
A practice where lawmakers exchange favors or votes on legislation. Example: "You vote for my bill, and I'll vote for yours." Common in pork-barrel spending.
Omnibus Bill
A massive bill that includes many different policies and issues in one package. Often used to pass controversial measures that might not pass on their own. Members often vote for it because rejecting it could mean losing funding for important projects.
Pork-Barrel Spending
Government spending directed toward specific local projects to benefit a legislator’s district, often unrelated to broader national interests. Example: Funding for a small-town bridge or museum added to a major bill.
Rider
An unrelated amendment attached to a bill in the Senate to pass something that wouldn't pass on its own. Example: Attaching a gun control measure to a budget bill.
Rules Committee
A powerful House committee that determines the rules for debate, including how long a bill will be discussed and whether amendments can be added. It acts as a traffic cop for legislation.
Select Committees
Temporary committees in the House or Senate created for a specific investigation or issue (e.g., Watergate Committee). Unlike standing committees, they do not handle legislation regularly.
Unanimous Consent
A Senate procedure where all 100 senators agree to move forward on legislation without formal debate or a recorded vote. It’s used to expedite non-controversial matters.
Leadership Positions:
President of the Senate
The Vice President of the U.S. serves as the President of the Senate. They preside over Senate sessions but can only vote to break a tie.
President Pro Tempore
The senior-most member of the majority party in the Senate. While the VP is the official President of the Senate, the President Pro Tempore handles day-to-day leadership duties in their absence. This role is largely ceremonial.
Senate Majority Leader
The most powerful leader in the Senate, responsible for scheduling votes, controlling the legislative agenda, and leading the majority party.
Speaker of the House
The most powerful member of Congress, elected by the House. The Speaker:
Presides over House sessions
Appoints members to committees
Decides which bills get debated
Is second in the presidential line of succession (after the VP)
Whip
A party leadership position in both the House and Senate that helps gather votes and enforce party discipline. They ensure that members vote in line with the party’s goals.
Budget & Spending Terms:
Deficit
Occurs when the government spends more than it collects in revenue in a given year. The deficit adds to the national debt.
Discretionary Spending
Government spending that Congress must approve annually, including defense, education, and transportation. It is not automatic like mandatory spending.
Mandatory Spending
Spending required by law that does not need annual approval by Congress. Examples: Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid.
Ways and Means Committee
A powerful House committee that controls tax policy, revenue collection, and Social Security. It plays a key role in shaping the federal budget.
Baker v. Carr (1962)
A landmark Supreme Court case that ruled that federal courts can intervene in redistricting issues if they violate constitutional principles. It established the "one person, one vote" principle, ensuring that legislative districts must have roughly equal populations.
Delegate Model
A voting approach where legislators follow the will of their constituents (voters), even if they personally disagree with the decision. This model emphasizes direct representation of the people.
Gerrymandering
The process of manipulating district boundaries to favor one political party or group, often leading to unfair advantages in elections. There are different types, including partisan gerrymandering (to benefit a party) and racial gerrymandering (to affect racial representation).
Gridlock
A situation where political disagreements between parties or branches of government prevent action or decision-making, often leading to legislative standstills and inefficiency. Example: Government shutdowns due to budget disputes.
"Lame Duck" President
A president who is still in office after a successor has been elected but before the new president takes over. This period often results in less political influence, as the outgoing president has limited power to push policies.
"One Person-One Vote" Principle
A principle established in Baker v. Carr (1962) that requires legislative districts to have equal populations, ensuring that each person's vote carries the same weight in elections.
Politico Model
A hybrid voting approach where legislators balance the delegate and trustee models—acting as delegates on issues with strong public opinions and as trustees on less controversial matters.
Racial Gerrymandering
The practice of drawing district boundaries to weaken or strengthen the political influence of racial groups. It can be used to dilute minority voting power or to create majority-minority districts to increase representation.
Shaw v. Reno (1993)
A Supreme Court case that ruled racial gerrymandering unconstitutional under the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment. The Court decided that race cannot be the primary factor in drawing district lines.
Swing District
A congressional district that is highly competitive and does not consistently vote for one party, making it a key battleground in elections. Also known as a purple district because it can "swing" between Democratic (blue) and Republican (red) candidates.
Trustee Model
A voting approach where legislators use their own judgment to make decisions, believing they are entrusted to act in the best interests of the people, even if it goes against public opinion.