Final Study Guide Review Flashcards
What are the first 10 Amendments to the Constitution called? What is their purpose?
Bill of Rights; protects the rights of the people
What does the President of the Senate do?
The Vice President of the United States casts the deciding vote in case of a tie
What does the Senate Pro Tempore do?
The most senior member of the Senate that is 4th in line to the presidency
What does the House Minority Leader do?
The leader chosen by the members of the minority party to schedule proposed legislation
What does the House Majority Leader do?
Presents the official position of the majority party regarding proposed legislation. Second in rank to the speaker of the House
What does the Whip do?
The leader in Congress who rounds up fellow legislators on important bills
What does the Senate Majoirty Leader do and who holds this position?
The leader chosen by the senators in the majority party to schedule legislation (Mitch McConnell)
What does the Senate Minority Leader do and who holds this position?
The leader chosen by the senators in the minority party to schedule legislation (Chuck Schumer)
How long is the term of a senator?
6 years
How long is the term of representative in the House of Representatives?
2 years
What does it mean to “crack” a congressional district?
Spreading out voters of a single type among numerous districts such that they will always be in the minority within any given district
What does it mean to “pack” a congressional district?
Putting as many voters of a single type into one district in order to minimize their influence in other districts
What is redistricting?
The process of drawing electoral district boundaries in the United States based on changes in population
What is gerrymandering?
Redistricting that favors one party over another
What are Select Committees?
Temporary committees for specific purposes (ex: investigation, intelligence)
What are Standing Committees?
Committees to which proposed bills are referred and that continue from one Congress to the next
What are Joint Committees?
Committees that are comprised of members from both the House and the Senate
How are members assigned to committees?
Reelection incentives, their interests, their own interests or expertise