American Systems: Civics

Censure

Vote of formal disapproval of member's action

Special Session

When the President calls Congress back from recess or adjournment

What are the qualifications for a member of the House of Representatives?

25 years old, a US Citizen for 7 years, and live in the state that you represent

Cloture

3/5 vote to stop filibuster

What are the qualifications for a member of the Senate?

30 years old, 9 years residence, live in the state you represent

Subcommittee

6 to 8 for each standing committee (specialization)

Reapportionment

Changing the amount of representation after the new census is released

Values of Political Party

Committee assignments established by parties, majority party has majority vote, subject to the entire floors' approval

Joint Committee

Coordinate the work between the House and Senate

Gridlock

Difficulty in passing bills or laws to satisfy the needs of the people

Values of Committees

Help ease workload, divide work into smaller groups, allows for specialization

Gerrymandering

If apportionment is done to favor a political party

When does each new term of Congress begin?

January 3rd of every odd numbered year

Filibuster

Keep talking until the bill is abandoned

Roles of seniority

Majority party has majority vote on every committee

Quorum

Minimum number of people needed to hold a meeting

What is the typical week for a Congressman

Monday: routine work, Tuesday-Thursday: most work done, Friday: many return to districts

Responsibilities of congressional leaders

Organize & unify party members, scheduling works of Congress, make sure lawmakers are present for key votes, distributing& collecting info, keep Congress in touch with President

Standing Committee

Permanent committees that oversee bills that deal with certain issues

Census

Population count beginning each sentence

Apportionment

Population of each state determines the number of representatives

Select Committee

Temporary committee to deal with a specific topic

Conference Committee

Temporary committees that meet when a different version of the same bill takes place