Organization of Congress Flashcards
Majority Party
-the political party with the most members
Minority Party
-the political party with fewer members
President Pro Tempore
-presides over the Senate in absence of the Vice President
A committee has one or more ____ __________________ that may consider legislation before it is taken up by full committee.
sub-committees
Speaker of the House
-most powerful officer in the House
Duties/Powers of the Speaker of the House
-presides over the House while in session
-no member may speak until recognized
-influences order of business
The number of representatives in each state is based upon _______________.
population
The seats in Congress are based on information formulated in the _________.
census
Gerrymandering
-the practice of drawing district lines to favor a political candidate or party
Senate terms are for ____ terms.
6
1/3 of the Senate is up for election every ____ years.
2
Franking Privilege
-the right to mail official letters and packages, free of charge
Codes of Conduct
-limit the amount of outside income, full disclosure of outside income
Explusion
-if accused of a serious offense, person may give up seat, 2/3 vote required
Censure
-formal disapproval of a member’s actions. Member must stand alone and listen to charges read.
There are ____ sessions in Congress.
2
Committee/Sub-Committee
-groups of members appointed to investigate, debate, and report on legislation
-a committee is made up of sub-committees
Cuacus
-private meetings where members of each party choose their own leaders
Whip
-assistant for each party’s floor leader
Duties of the Whip
*count votes
*encourage party loyalty
*ensure party members are present for important votes
implied powers (elastic cause)
-Congress has the power to make laws that are necessary and proper to keep the government running
What are the sources of legislation?
-everyone; citizens, organized groups, congressional committees, members of Congress, the president
Standing Committee
-a committee that is permanent
quorum
-minimal amount of people needed for Congress to do business
Filibuster
-to stall time so a vote is not taken
Cloture
-Legislative procedure for ending debate in the Senate and taking a vote
Conference Committee
-an equal number of senators and representatives who work to reach a compromise on a bill
Immunity
-declares senators and representatives privileged from arrest during attendance at sessions
Expulsion
-term for being removed and losing your job
Impeach
-accuse an officeholder of misconduct
Bicameral Governmnet
-a government with a 2-part Legislature
Most bills in Congress are sent to a ___________.
committee
