Structure & Rules
The Constitutional Convention created this form of legislature, consisting of two separate chambers.
What is a bicameral legislature?
This official is the only House officer specifically mandated by the U.S. Constitution.
Who is the Speaker of the House?
Most of the actual legislative work in Congress is conducted here.
What are committees?
This informal group of senators or representatives shares common background traits or policy goals.
What is a congressional caucus?
In the Marvel Cinematic Universe, this rare, fictional metal is used to forge Captain America's shield and powers the technology of Wakanda.
What is Vibranium?
This chamber of Congress is larger, more institutionalized, and allocates seats based on population.
What is the House of Representatives?
Serving as the Speaker's main partisan ally, this person is second in authority in the House of Representatives.
Who is the Majority Leader?
These permanent committees handle bills in specific policy areas and give favorable reports before a bill reaches the floor.
What are standing committees?
This nonpartisan congressional agency makes economic projections and analyzes the financial costs of proposed legislation.
What is the Congressional Budget Office (CBO)?
In the Harry Potter series, this is the name of the train station platform where students board the Hogwarts Express.
What is Platform 9 3/4?
This chamber has the exclusive power to ratify treaties and confirm presidential nominations.
What is the Senate?
These legislative party officials are responsible for counting votes, pressuring wavering members, and conveying party positions.
Who are the whips?
When the House and Senate pass different versions of the same bill, this type of committee is formed to reconcile the differences.
What is a conference committee?
Congressional staff review constituent feedback to help members do this, such as tailoring communications to voters.
What is winning reelection (or credit claiming)?
This streaming series became Netflix's most-watched show of all time following its release in late 2021.
What is Squid Game?
This unique procedural tactic lets a Senate minority delay or prevent a vote by holding the floor in unlimited debate.
What is a filibuster?
Although the Vice President is the ceremonial leader of the Senate, the brunt of the work for the majority party is managed by this person.
Who is the Majority Leader?
Committees track how the executive branch bureaucracy administers policy through this process, primarily using public hearings.
What is legislative oversight?
Caucuses promote specific interests in Congress, making them similar to these outside advocacy entities.
What are interest groups?
Before launching her solo career, singer Beyoncé was the lead member of this popular 1990s and 2000s R&B girl group.
What is Destiny's Child?
Ending a filibuster requires a vote of this, which demands the approval of 60 senators.
What is cloture?
In either chamber, this official serves as the highest-ranking leader representing the party not in power.
Who is the Minority Leader?
Historically, committee leadership positions were granted almost strictly based on this criterion.
What is seniority?
Congressional staff help members perform this key voter service, which involves cutting through bureaucratic red tape.
What is casework?
This iconic 1994 Disney animated movie features a soundtrack written by Elton John and Tim Rice.
What is the Lion King?