Unit II, List 1 Flashcards
Reapportionment
A reallocation of seats in the HoR to each state based on changes to that state population
Redistricting
The redrawing of congressional district boundaries within each state, based on reappointment from the census
Gerrymandering
The drawing of legislative district boundaries to benefit an incumbent, a political party, or another group
Pork Barrel
Legislators appropriation of funds for special projects located within their congressional districts
Oversight
The process by which the legislative branch “checks” the executive branch to ensure that the laws of Congress that have passed are being administered are keeping with the legislative intent
Agenda Setting
The determination by Congress of which public issues the government should consider for legislation
Standing Committee
A permanent committee in congress, with a defined legislative jurisdiction
Joint Committee
A bicameral committee composed of members from both chambers of congress
Subcommittee
A subordinate committee in Congress that typically handles a specific area of a standing committee’s jurisdiction
Rules Committee
One of the most important committees in the HoR, which decides that length of debate and the scope of amendments that will be allowed on a bill
Filibuster
A procedural move by a member of the Senate to attempt to halt passage of a bill
Conference Committee
A bicameral, bipartisan committee whose job is to reconcile two versions of a bill
Pocket Veto
A special presidential veto of a bill passed at the conclusion of a legislative session whereby the president waits ten days without signing the bill and the bill then dies
Speaker of the House
The leader of the HoR, chosen by the majority party
