04. Key Terms- Congress Flashcards
Permanent subject-matter congressional committees that handle legislation and oversee the bureaucracy
Standing committees
Temporary bodies that are formed to resolve differences between House and Senate versions of a bill
Conference committees
The right of members of Congress to mail newsletters to their constituents at the government’s expense
Franking privelege
An officeholder seeking reelection
This is the single most important factor in determining the outcome of congressional elections
Incumbent
The legislative process by which the majority party in each state legislature redraws congressional districts to ensure the maximum number of seats for its candidates
Gerrymandering
The reallocation of the number of representatives each state has in the House of Representatives
Congressional redistricting
This committee sets the rules for floor debate
It gives each bill a rule that places the bill on the legislative calendar, limits time for debate, and determines the type of additions that will be allowed
House Rules committee
This committee of the House handles tax bills
House Ways and Means committee
An unwritten rule in both Congress reserving committee chairs to members of the committee with the longest records of continuous service (respecting those whose been there longer)
Seniority
Congressional review of the activities of an executive agency, department, or office
Oversight
When members of Congress cast votes based on the wishes of their consituents
Delegate role of representation
A way of delaying or preventing action on a bill by using long speeches and unlimited debate to “talk a bill to death” (remember Mr. Smith Goes to Washington?)
Filibuster
Tactic of mutual aid and vote trading among legislators
Logrolling
This is how the Senate ends a filibuster; motion made and it requires 3/5’s vote
Cloture
