Congress I

Question 1

Apportionment

Answer 1

the division of representation in the House of Representatives among the states according to their populations.

Question 2

Appropriation

Answer 2

having to do with spending of money by the government

Question 3

bicameral legislature

Answer 3

A legislative assembly composed of two separate houses, such as the U.S. Congress, which consists of the House of Representatives and the Senate.

Question 4

Bipartisan

Answer 4

having the support of both parties

Question 5

Casework

Answer 5

assistance provided by members of Congress to constituents who need help while filing a grievance with the federal government or a federal agency.

Question 6

caucus (congressional)

Answer 6

An association of members of Congress created to advocate a political ideology, a constituency, or regional or economic interests. Almost a hundred of these groups now exist, and they rival political parties as a source of policy leadership.

Question 7

Christmas tree bill

Answer 7

A bill that has lots of riders.

Question 8

closed rule

Answer 8

Limitation imposed by the Rules Committee in HOR on the amount of debate time allotted to a bill and on the introduction of amendments from the floor (or of any amendments other than those from the sponsoring committee).

Question 9

cloture rule

Answer 9

Rule 22 of the Senate, providing for the end of debate on a bill if three fifths of the members agree. A cloture motion is brought to the floor if sixteen senators sign a petition. The purpose is typically to terminate a filibuster and to force a vote on a bill.

Question 10

concurrent resolution

Answer 10

A resolution used to settle housekeeping and procedural matters that affect both houses. Such resolutions are not signed by the president and do not have the force of law.

Question 11

conference committee

Answer 11

A special type of joint committee appointed to resolve differences in House and Senate versions of a piece of legislation.

Question 12

Congressional Budget Office

Answer 12

Created in 1974 to advise Congress on the economic effects of spending programs and to provide information on the cost of proposed policies.

Question 13

discharge petition

Answer 13

A procedure for removing legislation from the control of a committee and bringing it to the floor for immediate consideration.

Question 14

filibuster

Answer 14

A prolonged speech or series of speeches made to delay action on legislation in the Senate. The purpose is to kill the measure by talking it to death.

Question 15

franking privilege

Answer 15

The ability of members of Congress to mail letters to their constituents free of charge

Question 16

General Accounting Office

Answer 16

Created in 1921 to perform routine audits of the money spent by executive departments. It also investigates agencies and makes recommendations on every aspect of government.

Question 17

Germane Amendment

Answer 17

an amendment appropriate, relative or pertinent to the original bill being debated

Question 18

gerrymandering

Answer 18

Drawing congressional district lines in a bizarre or unusual shape to make it easy for a candidate of one party to win elections in that district.

Question 19

Incumbent

Answer 19

the current holder of an office or position, usually seeking re-election

Question 20

joint committee

Answer 20

Committee on which both representatives and senators serve.

Question 21

joint resolution

Answer 21

A resolution requiring approval of both houses and the signature of the president and having the same legal status as a law.