Unit 4- The Legislative Branch Flashcards
What’s the role of Congress in a Democracy?
National Government
How many members is Congress made up of and what do they do?
535 Elected Officials- Make laws and respond to the constituents’ demands. 535LD
What are the 5 roles of members of Congress?
Legislators-Representatives of their Constituents- Committee Members- Servants- Politicians. LRCSP
What are the 4 voting options of a lawmaker?
Delegate-Trustee-Partisan-Politico DTPP
Define Delegate
People with authority to represent others at a conference or convention.
Define Trustee
Lawmakers who vote based on their conscience and judgement, not the views of their constituents.
Define Partisan
Lawmakers who owe their first allegiance to their political party and vote according to their party line.
Define Politico
Lawmakers who attempt to balance the basic elements of the trustee, delegate, and partisan roles.
What is the most popular voting model today?
The delegate model
Define Bills
A proposed law presented to a legislative body for consideration.
Define Floor Consideration
The process by which proposed laws are considered and acted upon by the full membership of the House and Senate.
Define Oversight Function
Review by legislative committees of the policies and programs of the executive branch. OE
Which Congress included the most women and minorities in history?
115th
Who is the elected Minority Leader?
Nancy Pelosi
Define Term
Two year period of time during which Congress meets.
Define Session
Period of time each year during which Congress assembles and conducts business.
Define Convene
To begin a new session of Congress
Define Adjourn
Suspend, as in a session of Congress
Define Recess
A time when both houses of Congress temporarily suspend business.
Define Prorogue
Adjourn, as in a legislative session.
When can a President prorogue a session?
Only when the two houses cannot agree on a date for adjournment.
Define Special Session
An extraordinary session of a legislative body, called to deal with an emergency situation.
Who is able to call Congress into a Special Session?
The President
Define Franking Privilege
Benefit allowing members of Congress to mail letters and other materials postage-free.