Foundations and Representation
This branch of the federal government is responsible for making laws.
The legislative branch
Congress is described by this term because it consists of the House of Representatives and the Senate.
Bicameral
This party holds the greatest number of seats in a legislative chamber.
The majority party
These organized groups of citizens with shared concerns seek to influence public policy and legislators.
Interest groups
Powers specifically listed in the Constitution, including the power to tax and regulate interstate commerce, are called these.
Expressed powers
This proposed law must be introduced by a member of Congress before Congress can consider it.
A bill
These citizens are represented by a particular member of Congress.
Constituents
This chamber is often called the lower house and has 435 voting members.
The House of Representatives
This leader helps coordinate a party’s legislative strategy in either chamber of Congress.
The majority or minority leader
These individuals are hired to represent interest groups and attempt to persuade public officials.
Lobbyists
This clause authorizes Congress to make laws that are “necessary and proper” for carrying out its enumerated powers.
The Necessary and Proper Clause
This committee action sets aside a bill without taking action on it, effectively allowing it to die.
Pigeonholing the bill
This population count, conducted every 10 years, helps determine the apportionment of House seats.
The census
A person elected to this chamber serves a six-year term, and every state has two members.
The Senate
This party official assists the majority or minority leader and helps organize party support for legislation.
A whip
This type of congressional committee is permanent and specializes in a policy area, such as agriculture or education.
A standing committee
The Necessary and Proper Clause is also commonly known by this flexible name.
The Elastic Clause
In the Senate, this tactic uses extended debate to delay or prevent a vote on a bill.
A filibuster
This is the geographic area represented by one member of the U.S. House of Representatives.
A congressional district
This is the minimum age established by the Constitution for a member of the U.S. House of Representatives.
25 years old
This officer presides over the House, appoints committee leaders, and is second in the presidential line of succession after the vice president.
The Speaker of the House
This temporary committee is created to investigate or address a particular issue for a limited period.
A select committee
This congressional power formally charges a federal official, including a president, with misconduct.
Impeachment
This Senate procedure requires a three-fifths vote to limit debate and end a filibuster.
Cloture
This practice redraws electoral district boundaries to give an advantage to a political party or group.
Gerrymandering
This constitutional feature gives each state equal representation in the Senate, regardless of population.
Two senators per state
This senator presides over the Senate when the vice president is absent and is typically a member of the majority party.
The president pro tempore
This committee, composed of members from both chambers, reconciles differences between House and Senate versions of a bill.
A conference committee
This constitutional protection prevents Congress from punishing a person through a law without a trial.
The prohibition on bills of attainder
If the president does not sign a bill and Congress adjourns during the 10-day period, this prevents the bill from becoming law.
A pocket veto