Congress Vocab Flashcards
Incumbents
People who hold seats in office and must run for re-election to keep their seat
Casework
Working to achieve the desires of constituents, doing favors for the people you represent
Pork barrel
Projects, grants, and contracts that are available for local use from the federal government
Bicameral Legislature
The division of legislature into two houses (like our Congress)
House Rules Committee
A committee that reviews bills and gives them a “rule”, which schedules it, specifies its amendments, and allocates its debate time before it reaches the house floor
Filibuster
A senate strategy that sends legislation into unlimited debate, preventing it from being voted on
Speaker of the House
The most important member of the house, selected by a majority. Holds legislative power and is third in line for presidency
Whips
People who work with majority and minority leaders to count votes and report views/complaints of the party
Standing committees
Committees within congress that handle bills in different policy areas
Joint Commitees
Committees in Congress that work on the economy and taxation
Conference Committees
Committees formed when house and senate pass similar bills to compromise the bill
Select Committees
Temporary committees created for specific purposes
Legislative Oversight
The monitoring of executive branch policy from the legislative branch
Committee chairs
Important members of committees that schedule hearings, hire staff, and manage bills
Each part has a…
Minority and Majority Leader
