U.S. Government Terms - Unit 2

Front

A legislature with two houses or chambers — in the U.S., this means the House of Representatives and the Senate.

Back

Bicameral

Front

The group of people a government official represents — for example, voters in a representative’s district or state.

Back

Constituency

Front

The head of the political party that has the most seats in either the House or Senate; helps plan and guide the party’s laws through Congress.

Back

Majority Leader

Front

The leader of the political party with the fewer seats in the House or Senate; works to organize opposition and influence legislation.

Back

Minority Leader

Front

A tactic used in the Senate to delay or block a vote on a bill by talking for a long time.

Back

Filibuster

Front

Government spending that Congress decides on each year — such as money for education, defense, or transportation.

Back

Discretionary Spending

Front

Spending required by law, like Social Security, Medicare, or interest on the national debt — Congress can’t easily change it.

Back

Mandatory Spending

Front

When the government spends more money than it collects in taxes during a year.

Back

Budget Deficit

Front

Laws that direct government money to a specific lawmaker’s district or state projects — often to win local support.

Back

Pork Barrel Legislation

Front

Provisions in bills that set aside money for specific local projects, added by members of Congress.

Back

Earmarks