Chapter 13 Flashcards
Bicameral Legislature
A lawmaking body made up of two chambers or parts
Marginal District
Political districts in which candidates elected to the house of representatives win in close elections, typically by less than 55 percent of the vote
Safe District
Districts in which incumbents win by margins of 55 percent or more
Franking Privilege
Franking privilege predates the establishment of the republic itself and the continental congress bestowed on its members in 1775
Reapportionment
Every 10 years we take a census. Each state given 1 rep. Rest of 385 reps go based on population
Redistricting
Changing the districts within a state
17th amendment
The Senate will hold 100 seats 2 from each state
Baker Vs. Carr
This ruling allowed the federal courts to get involved in redistricting disputes that had previously been a state issue
Shaw Vs Reno
There must be a compelling government interest to draw lines that aid one group
Gerrymandering
manipulate the boundaries of (an electoral constituency) so as to favor one party or class.
Descriptive representation
Be a member that reflects the majority of race/ ethnicity of the district
Substantive Representation
When representatives advocate for certain groups.
Sophomore Surge
A sophomore surge is a term used in the political science of the United States Congress that refers to an increase in votes that congressional candidates (candidates for the House of Representatives) usually receive when running for their first re-election.
Fillibuster
An attempt to defeat a bill in the senate by talking indefinitely, thus preventing the Senate from taking action to the bill
Conservative Coalition
An alliance between republican and conservative democrats
Majority Leader
The legislative leader elected by party members holding the majority of seats in the house or the senate
Whip
A senator or representative who helps the party leader stay informed about what party members are thinking
Party Polarization
A vote in which a majority of Democratic legislators oppose a majority of Republican legislators
Caucus
An association of congress members created to advance a political ideology or a regional, ethnic, or economic interest
Standing committees
Permanently established legislative committees that consider and are responsible for legislation within a certain subject area.
Select Committees
Congressional Committees appointed for a limited time and purpose
Joint Committees
Committees on which both senators and representatives serve
Conference Committees
A joint committee appointed to resolve differences in the senate and house versions of the same bill
Public Bill
A legislative bill that deals with matters of general concern
Private Bill
A legislative bill that deals only with specific, private, personal or local matters
Simple resolution
An expression of opinion either in the House or Senate to settle procedural matters in either body
Concurrent Resolution
An expression of opinion without the force of law that requires the approval of both the house and senate, but not president.
