U.S. Government and Political Terms

Front

The current officeholder of a position.

Back

Incumbent

Front

institutional advantages held by those already in office who are trying to fend off challengers in an election.

Back

incumbency advantage

Front

Which term means "having two houses"?

Back

Bicameral

Front

Can Jessalyn, a 24-year-old U.S. Citizen enrolled in Law School and living in North Carolina for 10 years, be a Senator, Representative, both, or neither?

Back

Neither

Front

Can Mathew, who is 27 years old, a U.S. citizen, and has lived in Texas for 10 years, be a Senator, Representative, both, or neither?

Back

Representative

Front

Can Emily, who is 36 years old, born in the U.S., graduated from Harvard Law School, and has resided in California for 15 years, be a Senator, Representative, both, or neither?

Back

Both

Front

What are special committees that create compromise bills when different versions of a bill pass the House and Senate?

Back

Conference Committee

Front

What are congressional committees made up of members of both houses of Congress?

Back

Joint Committee

Front

What are congressional committees formed to deal with issues not covered by a standing committee and end after their purpose is fulfilled?

Back

Select Committee

Front

What are permanent congressional committees specific to each house?

Back

Standing Committee