Organization of Congress (Ch. 5)
). bi-cameral legislature
2 houses or chambers (Senate and House of Reps)
calendars
lists bills that are up for consideration - House has 5, Senate has 2
caucus
a closed political meeting
cloture
a procedure that puts a limit of 1 hour per Senator on debates with a vote of 60 Senators (CLOSES unlimited debate)
Congressional Term and Sessions
The term begins Jan. 2 of odd numbered years and lasts for 2 years. Sessions are 1 year long.
constituents
The people a member of Congress represents
filibuster
to speak endlessly to prevent Senate action during debate on the floor
Gerrymandering
the political party in the majority draws a district's boundaries to gain an advantage in upcoming elections
Incumbents
a member currently in office who is running for reelection, they usually win
majority leader
the elected leader of the party controlling the most seats in the House of Representatives or the Senate; is second in authority to the Speaker of the House and in the Senate is regarded as its most powerful member
majority party
the political party in each house of Congress with the most members
minority leader
the elected leader of the party holding less than a majority of the seats in the House or Senate
minority party
political party in each house of Congress with the second most members
President pro tempore
Serves as president of the Senate in the absence of the VP; chosen by the majority party
quorum
minimum number of members that must be present for a meeting to take place or a vote to be taken
Reapportionment
Using the census to properly distribute seats in the House
Redistricting
setting up new district lines after reapportionment
Speaker of the House
Leading officer in the House of Representatives, chosen by the majority party and elected by the full House
Vice-President
President of the Senate
Whips
assistant floor leaders, persuade members to support party decisions and to be present for votes