Legislative Branch Flashcards
Constituents
the people who voted for an elected official
Cloture
an end to debate
Appropriation
a bill that sets aside funds for a specific purpose
Oversight
when Congress uses its broad powers to review how the executive branch is operating and to make sure it is following the laws Congress has passed
Quorum
The number needed to legally conduct business
Whips
Members of the majority or minority party who assist congressmen with doing the daily work
Census
every 10 years the population is counted
Re-apportionment
the process in which seats in the House of Representatives are redistributed among states based on the results of the census
Standing committee
permanent committees that deal with broad issues in the House of Representatives and the Senate
Roll call
a vote in which each member is required to publicly state his or her vote, also known as a record vote
Conference committee
a committee formed when the House and Senate must reconcile different versions of the same bill
Pocket veto
an indirect veto that takes place when the president does not sign a bill within 10 days, during which time Congress adjourns
Impeachment
when Congress charges an official in the executive or judicial branch with wrongdoing and brings them to trial
Joint resolution
Congressional action used in certain unusual circumstances that follows the same procedures as a bill and has the force of law if passed by both houses and signed by the president
Vice President
the person who presides over the Senate and can vote to break a tie.
