Legislative Structure
What is a lawmaking body made up of two chambers?
What is a bicameral legislature
What is the term for a strong division in views between Republicans and Democrats?
What is party polarization
What is a committee made up of members from both the House and Senate?
What are joint committees
What occurs when different parties control the White House and Congress?
What is divided government
Who uses their best judgment when making voting decisions?
Who is a trustee
What is the minimum number of members required to conduct business in Congress?
What is a quorum
Who assists the party leader by staying informed about voting decisions?
What is a whip
What is the joint committee that resolves differences in bill versions?
What are conference committees
What occurs when the same party controls the White House and both houses?
What is unified government
Who bases their voting decisions on the desires of their constituents?
Who is a delegate
What is the ability of congressional members to mail letters free of charge?
What is the franking privilege
What is a group of congressional members that meets to pursue a common agenda?
What is a congressional caucus
What is a device used to force a bill out of committee?
What is a discharge petition
What is a tactic used by a senator to stall a bill?
What is a hold
Who balances constituents' opinions with their best judgment?
Who is a politico
Who is the legislative leader elected by the party with the most seats?
Who is the majority leader
What are permanently established committees that review bills?
What are standing committees
What is the agreement that sets terms for debate on a bill?
What is unanimous consent
What are “hidden” congressional provisions for specific projects?
What are earmarks
What is the process used by the Senate to end or limit debate?
What is the cloture rule
Who is the leader elected by the party with the minority of seats?
Who is the minority leader
What are committees appointed for a limited time for investigative purposes?
What are select committees
What is the practice of legislators trading support for legislative proposals?
What is logrolling
What is legislation that provides benefits to a specific district in exchange for votes?
What is pork barrel legislation
What is an attempt to stall or defeat a bill by talking for an extended time?
What is a filibuster