Legislative Branch Vocab

incumbent

• a person who is currently holding a position

• a candidate running for office

• a former officeholder

• a political party member

joint resolution

• A formal agreement between two or more parties.

• A proposal for action that has the force of law when passed; usually deals with special circumstances or temporary matters.

• A type of legislation that requires a simple majority to pass.

• A resolution that is only advisory and does not have legal force.

gerrymandering

• the process of drawing legislative district boundaries to benefit a party, group, or incumbent

• the practice of redrawing district lines to ensure fair representation

• the manipulation of electoral boundaries to favor one party over another

• the method of creating equal population districts for elections

at-large

• election of an officeholder by the voters of an entire governmental unit (e.g. a State or country) rather than by the voters of a district or subdivision

• election of an officeholder by a small group of voters within a specific district

• election of an officeholder based on a majority vote in a local community

• election of an officeholder by a panel of experts rather than the general public

congressional caucus

• A formal meeting of all members of Congress to discuss national issues.

• A group of members of the US Congress that come together to pursue common legislative goals.

• An informal gathering of citizens to influence congressional decisions.

• A committee that oversees the budget and spending of Congress.

bill

• a proposed law presented to a legislative body for consideration

• a type of financial statement

• a document for requesting payment

• a summary of legislative activities

bicameral

• an adjective describing a legislative body composed of two chambers

• a term used for a single-chamber legislative body

• a type of government with no legislative body

• a system where laws are made by a council of elders

session (of Congress)

• period of time each year when Congress assembles and conducts business

• a formal meeting of the President and Congress

• a time when Congress is on recess

• a gathering of state governors to discuss legislation

constituencies

• the people and interests that an elected official represents

• a type of electoral district

• a group of voters who share similar interests

• the process of electing officials

recess

• a time when both houses of Congress temporarily suspend business

• a period of time when students take a break from classes

• a formal meeting of the legislature

• a time when Congress is in session