UNIT 2A: CONGRESS Flashcards
Pork Barrel Spending
Legislation that directs specific funds to projects within districts or states
Logrolling
Trading of votes on legislation by members of Congress to get their earmarks passed into legislation
Constituency
A body of voters in a given area who elect a presentative or senator
Apportionment
The process of determining the number of representatives for each state using census data
Redistricting
States redrawing of boundaries of electoral districts following each census
Gerrymandering
the intentional use of redistricting to benefit a specific interest or group of voters
Majority-Minority district
a district in which voters of a minority ethnicity constitute an electoral majority within that electoral district
Incumbency
Being already in office as opposed to running for the first time
House majority leader
the person who is the second in command of the House of Reps
Whip
a member of Congress, chosen by his or her party members, whose job is to ensure party unity and discipline
Minority leaders
the head of the party with the second-highest number of seats in Congress, chosen by the party’s members
Senate majority leader
the person who has the most power in the Senate is the head of the part with the most seats
Committee Chair
Leader of a congressional committee who has authority over the committees agenda
Discharge petition
a motion filed by a member of Congress to move a bill out of committee and onto the floor of the House of Reps for a vote
House Rules of Committee
a powerful committee that determines when a bill will be subject to debate and vote on the House floor, how long the debate will last, and whether amendments will be allowed on the floor.
Committee of the Whole
Consists of all members of the House and meets in the House chamber but is governed by different riles, making it easier to consider complex and controversial legislation
Hold
a delay placed on legislation by a senator who objects to a bill
Unanimous consent agreement
an agreement in the Senate that sets the terms for consideration of a bill
Cloture
a procedure through which senators can end debate on a bill and proceed to action, provided 60 senators agree on it
Entitlement Program
Program that provides benefits for those who qualify under the law, regardless of income
Mandatory Spending
Spending required by existing laws that is locked in budget
discretionary spending
spending for programs and policies at the discretion on Congress and the President
Delegate Role
The idea that the main duty of a member of Congress is to carry out constituents wishes
Trustee Role
The idea that the main duty of Congress should act as trustees, making decisions based on their knowledge and judgement
Gridlock
A slowdown or halt in Congress ability to legislate and overcome divisions especially, those based on partisanship
Lame duck period
period at the end of a presidential term when Congress may block presidential initiatives and nominees
