US Congress Key Terms

Question 1

Congressional Caucuses

Answer 1

These are groups of legislators who share special interests and meet to pursue common legislative objectives, e.g. black caucus, women’s caucus, Hispanic caucuses

Question 2

Divided Government

Answer 2

When the House of Representatives, Senate and presidency are not all controlled by one party

Question 3

Filibuster

Answer 3

When a senator gives a prolonged speech on the floor of the Senate in order to obstruct legislative progress of a bill or confirmation of appointments to the Executive or judiciary

Question 4

Gridlock

Answer 4

A situation in US politics where the president and Congress are equally powerful, constantly preventing each other from acting, resulting in difficulty passing legislation

Question 5

Incumbency

Answer 5

The current holder of a political office re House or Senate seat or presidency

Question 6

Mid-term elections

Answer 6

Congressional elections held mid-way through a president’s four-year term

Question 7

Oversight

Answer 7

The ability of one branch of government to supervise the work of another

Question 8

Partisanship

Answer 8

A situation in which n/women are incredibly loyal to their party, even when it means that the result is gridlock

Question 9

Unanimous consent

Answer 9

A senator or Congressmen/women may request unanimous consent on the floor to set aside a specified rule of procedure so as to expedite proceedings