How a Bill Becomes a Law
A proposal for a new law
Bill
Leader of the majority party in either the House or the Senate
Majority Leader
The prolonged discussion of a bill to delay legislative action
Filibuster
The review and possible revision of a piece of legislation by committee members
Mark-up
Supporters of the Constitution, emphasized a federal system of power, with power divided between the central government and the state governments.
Federalism
Public discussion and appearance on a proposal or bill;
Hearing (Legislative Context)
Member of minority party in either the House or Senate
Minority Leader
The method of eliminating debate or ending a filibuster in the Senate; at least 60 Senators must vote in favor before cloture can be invoked
Cloture
When the President withholds approval of a bill after Congress has adjourned, thereby killing the bill’s potential without having to formally veto it
Pocket Veto
6th Amendment
A committee consisting of members of both House and Senate
Joint Committee
Member of the majority party who presides over the work of a committee or subcommittee
Chairperson
A charge of misconduct made against the holder of a public office, the action of calling into question the integrity or validity of something
Impeachment
A provision added to a bill so that it may ____ to approval on the strength of that bill, ______ are generally attached to Senate appropriation bills
A group of people who share common goals and organize to influence government and policy
Interest group
A legislative committee responsible for expediting the passage of bills by confirming rules for a particular bill, establishing legislative focus, and determining the order of or time for a particular bill, etc.
Rules Committee
The Vice President of the United States officially presides over the Senate, except during times of very important debate in which case a Senator is elected by their peers to serve as
President Pro Tempore
The process whereby members help each other get particular legislation passed; one member will help another on one piece of legislation in return for help on another (“I scratch your back, you scratch my back”)
Logrolling
Disapproval of a bill made by the President
Veto
Also known as the “Necessary & Proper Clause”; gives Congress the right to make all laws "necessary and proper" to carry out the powers expressed in the other clauses of the Articles included in the Constitution
Elastic Clause
The process of proposing new or updated legislation for approval to become new law or regulation
Legislative Process
Assistant leader for each party in each chamber who keeps other members of the party informed of the legislative agenda of the leader, also tracks sentiment “feelings” among party members for certain legislation and tried to persuade members to be present and vote for measures important to the leadership’s agenda
Whip
A motion to remove a bill from consideration
Table a bill
A bill or proposed law that deals with funding or other financial items related to the federal budget, of an authorized program
Appropriation Bill
Constitutional declaration (Article VI) that the Constitution and laws made under its provisions are the greatest law of the land or highest power; federal laws trump state laws
Supremacy Clause