unit 2A: congress

The process of determining the number of representatives for each state using census data.

Agreement between the parties to work together in Congress to pass legislation.

A procedure through which senators can end debate on a bill and proceed to action, provided 60 senators agree to it.

Leader of a congressional committee who has authority over the committee's agenda.

Consists of all members of the House and meets in the House chamber but is governed by different rules, making it easier to consider complex and controversial legislation.

A body of voters in a given area who elect a representative or senator.

The idea that the main duty of a member of Congress is to carry out constituents' wishes.

A motion filed by a member of Congress to move a bill out of committee and onto the floor of the House of Representatives for a vote.

Spending for programs and policies at the discretion of Congress and the president.

Control of the presidency and one or both chambers of Congress split between the two major parties.

Program that provides benefits for those who qualify under the law, regardless of income.

A tactic through which an individual senator may use the right of unlimited debate to delay a motion or postpone action on a piece of legislation.

The intentional use of redistricting to benefit a specific interest or group of voters.

A slowdown or halt in Congress' ability to legislate and overcome divisions, especially those based on partisanship.

A delay placed on legislation by a senator who objects to a bill.

The person who is the second in command of the House of Reps.

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.

Being already in office as opposed to running for the first time.

Institutional advantages held by those already in office who are trying to fend off challengers in an election.

Period at the end of a presidential term when Congress may block presidential initiatives and nominees.

Trading of votes on legislation by members of Congress to get their earmarks passed into legislation.

A district in which voters of a minority ethnicity constitute an electoral majority within that electoral district.

The uneven distribution of the population among legislative districts.

Spending required by existing laws that is "locked in" the budget.

The head of the party with the second-highest number of seats in Congress, chosen by the party's members.

Efforts by Congress to ensure that executive branch agencies, bureaus, and cabinet departments, as well as their officials, are acting legally and in accordance with congressional goals.

Drawing of district boundaries into strange shapes to benefit a political party.

Representation where members of Congress balance their choices with the interest of their constituents and parties in making decisions.

Legislation that directs specific funds to projects within districts or states.

States' redrawing of boundaries of electoral districts following each census.

The person who has the most power in the Senate is the head of the party with the most seats.

The leader of the House of Reps, chosen by an election of its members.

The idea that members of Congress should act as trustees, making decisions based on their knowledge and judgment.

An agreement in the Senate that sets the terms for consideration of a bill.

The power of the president to reject a bill passed by Congress, sending it back to the originating branch with objections.

A member of Congress, chosen by his or her party members, whose job is to ensure party unity and discipline.