Congress Flashcards
Gerrymandering
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.
Incumbent
An officeholder who is seeking reelection. Incumbency is the single most important factor in determining the outcome of congressional elections.
Franking Privilege
The right of members of Congress to mail newsletters to their constituents at the government’s expense.
Standing Committees
Permanent subject-matter congressional committees that handle legislation and oversee the bureaucracy.
Conference Committees
Temporary bodies that are formed to resolve differences between House and Senate versions of a bill.
House Rules Committee
The House Rules Committee sets the guidelines 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 amendments that will be allowed.
House Ways and Means Committee
House committee that handles tax bills.
Seniority
Unwritten rule in both houses of Congress reserving committee chairs to members of the committee with the longest records of continuous service.
Filibuster
A way of delaying or preventing action on a bill by using long speeches and unlimited debate to “talk a bill to death.”
Cloture
A Senate motion to end a filibuster. Cloture requires a 3/5 vote.
Logrolling
Tactic of mutual aid and vote trading among legislators.
Oversight
Congressional review of the activities of an executive agency, department, or office.
Delegate Role of Representation
When members of Congress cast votes based on the wishes of their constituents.
Congressional Redistricting
The reallocation of the number of representatives each state has in the House of Representatives.
