Chapter 13

Question 1

Bicameral legislature

Answer 1

A lawmaking body made up of two chambers or parts

Question 2

Filibuster

Answer 2

An attempt to defeat a bill in the senate by talking indefinitely, thus preventing the senate from taking action on the bill

Question 3

Marginal districts

Answer 3

Political districts in which candidates elected to the House of Representatives win in close elections, typically by less than 55 percent of the vote

Question 4

Safe districts

Answer 4

Districts in which incumbents win by margins of 55 percent or more

Question 5

Conservative coalition

Answer 5

An alliance between Republican and Democrats

Question 6

Majority leader

Answer 6

The legislative leader elected by party members holding a minority of seats in the house or senate

Question 7

Minority leader

Answer 7

The legislative leader elected by party members holding a minority of seats in the house or senate

Question 8

Whip

Answer 8

A senator or representative who helps the party leader stay informed about what party members are thinking

Question 9

Partisan polarization

Answer 9

A vote in which a majority of democratic legislators oppose a majority of republican legislators