AP GOV: Congress

Joint committee

A committee of the House and the Senate that usually acts as a study group and reports its findings back to the House and the Senate. Why is this significant? This is significant because it shows that the two chambers have to collaborate at some point in order to get things done. This also shows that both chambers have a similar goal when it comes to what they want to accomplish in government.

Political action committee

A committee set up by a corporation or interest group to raise and funnels money to political candidates. Donation amounts to PACs are limited by FECA rules (hard money). Why is this significant? This is significant because these committees focus on convincing the public to vote for or against a candidate. They raise and spend money on things such as TV ads and focus on a candidates good/bad qualities in hopes of influencing the electorate to vote for a specific person.

U.S. Code

A compilation of all the laws passed by the US Congress. Why is this significant? This is significant because it keeps a record of what laws have already been made by Congress so there are no repeats or similarities.

Senatorial rule

A congressional custom that gives the chair of a committee or subcommittee to the member of the majority party with the longest continuous service on the committee. Why is this significant? This is significant because then the person with the most experience would be able to lead the committee and guide them whenever they need help. This makes it so everyone has someone to look to when they are confused.

GAO

A federal legislative agency that audits (investigates) other agencies of the federal government and reports it's findings to Congress (makes sure they are not spending more money than the government has appropriated for them). Why is this significant? This is significant because it shows how Congress can check the other branches to make sure they aren't abusing the amount of money they gave out. It also makes sure they the people receiving the money don't abuse it and use it for something else since it will get back to Congress.

Trustee

A legislator who acts according to her or his conscience and the broad interests of the entire society. Why is this significant? This is significant because many Congressmen are trustees so many people in that society trust the representative to do what is best for their community. However, that might not always be true, the trustees could always vote on how their specific personal views are on topics; like abortion.

Party caucus/conference

A meeting of the members of a party in a legislative chamber to select party leaders and to develop party policy. Why is this significant? This is significant because the party leaders speak for the party as the government moves forward. They are very important political heads and to have a meeting to select them is how they get their jobs.

Standing committee

A permanent committee established in a legislature, usually focusing on a policy area. Why is this significant? This is significant because it shows how both the House and the Senate have to work together on some major permanent issues in order for this country to prosper.

Lobbyist

A person who is employed by and acts for an organized interest group or corporation to try to influence policy decisions and positions in the executive and legislative branches. Why is this significant? This is significant because it allows private corporations to have a say and try to influence to decisions made in government for their advantage.

Open rule

A procedural rule in the House of Representatives that permits the floor to amend the bill. Why is this significant? This is significant because this rule makes it so all 435 representatives have a say on how the bill should be amended, making the system of how the bill becomes a law more democratic.

Closed Rule (house)

A procedural rule in the House of Representatives that prohibits any amendments to bills or provides that only members of the committee reporting the bill may offer amendments. Why is this significant? This is significant because it shows that the committees have authority over what really goes on. It gives a more organized effort on bills so things don't get out of hand with the many representatives each with different opinions.

Cloture

A procedure used in the Senate to limit debate on a bill (end a filibuster); requires 60 votes. Why is this significant? This is significant because it limits the power of an individual to have a filibuster for a long time if most of the senators disapprove. This gives power to the majority which shows a democratic government.

Conference Committee

A special joint committee appointed by the presiding officers of each chamber to adjust differences on a particular bill passed by each in different form. Why is this significant? This is significant because it allows both chambers of Congress to allow compromises to happen so they can help the people of the United States. It shows how each person must adjust in order for the well being of the society as a whole.

Congressional Budget Office (CBO)

A staff agency that advises Congress on the likely economic effects of different spending programs and provides information on the costs of the proposed policies as well as the probable consequences of its decisions, forecasts revenues, and is a counterweight to the president's Office of Management and Budget. Why is this significant? This is significant because it guides Congress of the result of their actions, as well as what actions they should take. It shows them what the people need as well as how the economic world needs and how they can help fix it.

Seniority system

A system that gives the member of the majority party with the longest uninterrupted service on a particular committee the leadership of that committee. Why is this significant? This is significant because then those who aren't as experienced would get a great leader to help them as to how things should be done.

Select committee

A temporary legislative committee established for a limited time period and for a special purpose. Why is this significant? This is significant because it allows a specific topic to be heard and solved. This way, a small group of people can devote their time to one big specific problem that would better the nation as a whole rather than having all 538 members of Congress debate it and waste all of their time on it.

Pocket veto

A veto taking place when Congress adjourns within 10 days of submitting a bill to the president, who simply lets it die by neither signing nor vetoing it. Why is this significant? This is significant because instead of the President vetoing everything directly, he/she could just let it sit there until it terminates itself so it doesn't have to be as harsh to Congress.

Logrolling

An agreement by two or more lawmakers to support each other's bills and reelection. Why is this significant? This is significant to incumbents because it means that they would have a secure locked-in vote for Congress when it comes to re-election. When it comes to the bills being passed, it is significant because it allows more legislation to go through, making the government more effective.

Continuing resolution

An emergency budget extension measure that Congress passes when a full budget law has not been completed by the beginning of the new fiscal year (October 1). Why is this significant? This is significant because it prevents the government from shutting down.

Concurrent Resolution

An expression of opinion without the force of law that requires the approval of both the House and the Senate, but not the President. Why is this significant? This is significant because it shows that if the President is not cooperating, then the Senate and House can take action to get the job done. This shows that the President does not have the ultimate power to say yes or no to a law being passed, this way the branches check and balance each other.

Veto

Chief executive's power to reject a bill passed by a legislature. Why is this significant? This is significant because this way the president can check Congress in saying that if he doesn't feel like this law should pass he doesn't have to make it. He could reject the bill and the bill would have to go through Congress all over again. This makes our government more democratic in showing how the Executive and Legislative Branches can check and balance each other.

Congressional Review

Congressional action, requiring approval by both houses and the president, that can stop implementation of executive branch regulations. Why is this significant? This is significant because it allows the Legislative Branch to check the Executive Branch. Giving them both equal power and voice in the decisions made.

Congressional Research Service

Created in 1914 to respond to congressional requests for information. It also keeps track of every major bill and produces summaries of legislation for members of Congress.Provides analysis that is authoritative, confidential, objective, and nonpartisan. Why is this significant? This is significant because it allows members of Congress to have a paper trail and documentary of the major bills that passed through Congress. It is also non partisan in summary.

War powers act

Def: 1973; Limits the ability of the President to commit troops to combat-48 hours to tell Congress when and why the troops were sent, and after 60 days if Congress hasn't declared war the troops must return Sig: The War Powers Act is very important. It limits the President's powers and allows the Congress oversight. It milts the President from just sending troops everywhere and doing whatever he wants. This act makes it so the President must notify Congress within 48 hours of why and where the troops were sent to and after 60 days troops must come back if war has not been declared. This limits the President's powers.

Bicameral Legislature

Def: A Legislative Branch to be composed of two chambers, House of Representatives and Senate Sig: This is seen in the Legislative branch, where Congress is made up of the House of Representatives and the Senate. Importantly the bicameral legislative makes it so both small and large states so represented well, and a result of the Great Compromise.

Special interest groups

Def: A group that is trying to influence the government in relation to their own particular viewpoint. Sig: These groups are important because like lobbyists, they fight for specific topics and ideas. They try to influence the government to favor their ideas and support them.

Public bill

Def: A legislative bill that deals with matters of general concern Sig: This bill is important because its a bill that deals with the public not the private. There the bill would address the publics problems. It is issued and if passed would effect the entire country.

Delegate

Def: A person appointed or elected to represent others Sig: Delegates are important because, similar to members of Congress, they represent constituents. The delegates represent what an area wants for something. An examples is the Presidential delegates who represent each state and go vote officially using the Electoral Collage process.

Filibuster

Def: A procedural practice in the Senate whereby a senator refuses to relinquish the floor and thereby delays proceedings and prevents a vote on a controversial issue. Sig: Filibusters are ONLY in the Senate. It allows a member of the Senate to refuse to give up the floor which delays the proceedings of the Senate. Filibusters can be done by members by reading or speaking for a prolonged period of time. Filibusters can only be stopped by invoking cloture. Normally just the threat of a filibuster is enough to rethink bills or issues to avoid having a filibuster.

Private bill

Def: A proposal in Congress to provide a specific person with some kind of relief, such as a special exemption from immigration quotas Sig: This bill is important because it is a specific proposal to Congress to a specific person to aid and relief. It can only effect that certain person or organization. It can help people in times of crisis or need.

A bill

Def: A proposed law Sig: Bills are important because if they pass the proper steps they become law, which effect us all. It is very difficult to turn a bill into a law and it must pass countless steps and support. Because of this bills usually die along the way, this makes sure not any every and any bill is law. Bills also are important because anyone, from staff of Congress to the public can create a bill.

Joint Ressolution

Def: A resolution passes by both houses and signed by the President; carries the weight of a law Sig: This is important because the resolution once signed by the President has the weight and effect of a law. The resolution must be passed by both Houses, not just one or the pother and the President needs to sign it for it to become a law.

President of the senate

Def: A title often given to the presiding officer of a senate, The Vice President or if the VP is not available, then the Senate Pro Tempore. They are only ceremonial. Sig: This is important because the position is purely ceremonial, there is no power with the position. But both the Vice President and Senate Pro Tempore are in the line of succession. The Vice President is 1st in line when the Senate Pro Tempore is 3rd in line. Although it is a ceremonial position they could potentially become President is something were to happen.

House rules committee

Def: An institution unique to the House of Representatives that reviews all bills (except revenue, budget, and appropriations bills) coming from a House committee before they go to the full House. Sig: This committee is important because is ONLY in the House and it reviews bills before the bill goes to the entire House floor. This committee looks at a bill before it goes to the House floor for debate, it determines what rule the bill will go to on the floor; open or closed rule.

Supplemental Appropriation

Def: Authorization by an act of parliament to permit government agencies to incur obligations, and to pay for them from the treasury. Appropriation does not mean actual setting aside of cash, but represents the prescribed limit on spendings within a specified period Sig: This is important because it is the distribution of government funds to different areas. This is needed to fund programs and departments so they can function and be efficient. For example, HHS needs more money then any of the other Cabinet departments. Therefore the money must be apportioned based on what is needed

Article 1

Def: Creates the legislative branch, giving Congress its powers. Sig: This article expressly ways of detailed plans for the legislative branch and for the new government to follow.

Subcommittee

Def: Division of existing committee that is formed to address specific issues Sig: Subcommittees are important because they allow the committees to be more specific and address more specified issues and beliefs to help and improve specific parts.

Simple resolution

Def: Expression of opinion either in the House or the Senate to settle housekeeping or procedural matters in either body; not signed by the president and do not have the force of law Sig: This is important because it is a decision that that adjusts small things, doesn't need to be signed by the President and doesn't have force of law. Therefore the resolution is small and easy to pass.

Divided gov

Def: Government divided between the parties, as when one holds the presidency and the other controls one or both houses of Congress. Sig: A divided government is important nevus it can ether improve the functioning of government of lessen it. When there is a divided government, the Executive Branch is run by one party and the Senates and/or the House is run by the other party. This can create gridlock, parties not willing to compromise to get things done. It can also make new ideas, when the 2 different parties do decide to compromise the outcome is something that 2 sides were able to agree on, something both sides can let pass.

Incumbency

Def: Holding a political office for which one is running Sig: Running against an incumbent is a difficult race to win. The incumbent is the person holding that office position who run against someone who isn't in that position. The incumbent has a great advantage while running in an election over other people. An incumbent has a high probability of being reelected. Both Houses have high probability of reelection for incumbents, yet the House is higher then the Senate.

Veto override

Def: If the President vetoes a bill, the Congress may override the veto by a two-thirds majority vote in both Houses. The bill would then become law, the President's objections notwithstanding. A check of the Executive Branch Sig: This is important because it can override a Presidential override. To do this though, there must be a 2/3 majority support in BOTH Houses. This makes it so if the President is unreasonably overriding legislation the Congress can override that veto is necessary.

Earmark

Def: Special spending projects that are set aside on behalf of individual members of Congress for their constituents. Sig: This is important because it all special and specific funding to go to specific members of Congress for the constituents they represent. It benefits those who live in the district or state the funds go to.

House ways and means committee

Def: The House of Representatives committee that, along with the Senate Finance Committee, writes the tax codes, subject to the approval of Congress as a whole. Sig: This committee is ONLY in the House that rites the tax codes to be approved by Congress. It initiates tax bills to be passed or not in the Congress.

Pork barrel politics

Def: The appropriation of government funding by members of Congress for programs that benefit members of their constituency. Sig: This is important because members of Congress obtain money for the constituents they represent. The money from the government is appropriated and given to people in states or districts to benefit the people.

Majority party

Def: The party that holds the majority of legislative seats in either the House or the Senate Sig: This is important because the majority party is whichever party in the House or Senate that has more seats, a majority of seats. Whoever holds the majority holds more power.

Minority party

Def: The party that holds the majority of legislative seats in either the House or the Senate Sig: This is important because the majority party is whichever party in the House or Senate that has more seats, a majority of seats. Whoever holds the majority holds more power.

Constituents

Def: The residents of a congressional district or state, people a member of Congress represents Sig: This is important because the constituents of states or directs are who the Congress represent. Congress has a small amount of members to represent the views, beliefs and ideas of many people across the country. The constituents are the people that Congress represent when they vote and decide on things in Congress

A hold

Def: When a member of the Senate asks for more information on a bill before it goes to the floor, stalling the process. Sig: This is important because it is ONLY in the Senate and stalls the congressional process. A member of the Senate can ask for more information about a bill to draw out and stall the process. It cannot stop all together the proceedings like a filibuster but it can prolong the process.

Partisan

Devoted to or biased in support of a party, group, or cause. Why is this significant? This is significant because this is a category of politicians that describes how a member will vote or has voted. A partisan member is someone in Congress who ALWAYS votes with their party. Even if they're against a certain bill, if the party is going to vote for the bill, the members of that party will also vote for that bill.

Apportionment

Distribution of representatives among the states based on the population of each state, there cannot be more than 435 members in the House to redistribute. Why is this significant? This is significant because this redistributes the amount of members in the House to the current population that is taken by the census. The more populated states would get more of a say in what happens in the House, since they would have more members.

Politico

Lawmaker who attempts to balance the basic elements of the trustee, delegate, and partisan roles. Why is this significant? This is significant because many Congressmen are politicos and that means that they sometimes follow their personal opinion, sometimes they do exactly what their constituents want and sometimes they vote based on their party affiliation. This shows that they can really vote however they feel and they aren't held back by what their constituents or party wants.

Congressional Oversight

Power used by Congress to gather information useful for the formation of legislation, review the operations and budgets of executive departments and independent regulatory agencies, conduct investigations through committee hearings, and bring to the public's attention the need for public policy. Why is this significant? This is significant because Congress must use this power to watch their departments and agencies in order to make them perform efficiently. Congress can watch over parts of the Legislative and Executive branches to make sure they are doing the right things.

Senatorial courtesy

Presidential custom of submitting the names of prospective appointees for approval to senators from the states in which the appointees are to work. Why is this significant? This is significant because it allows the president to know which appointees are more fit for the job rather than just picking random people. It also lets the president know who is most liked among the senators so communication between them won't be difficult and it would be best for the state as a whole.

Markup

Rewrite of a bill after hearings have been held on it (happens in sub-committee). Why is this significant? This is significant because the bill would go through an editing period so both sides of the parties are heard and satisfied. That way, it makes it so there is a compromise between the chambers and the parties so each person is content with the bill.

Speaker of the house

The leader of the majority party and presiding officer of the House of Representatives. Key role in assigning bills to committee and members to committees & setting party's legislative agenda. Why is this significant? This is significant because since the Speaker is from the majority party and can control all of the committee members, he is most likely to give those jobs to his party rather than the opposition. This is also important because he controls the House and often times speaks on behalf of them.

Quorum

The number of members necessary to conduct a meeting. Why is this significant? This is significant because it is the least amount of members that can be present. The Senate quorum is 51 and the House's is 218 members. It always must be a majority of the members in order to proceed into a meeting.

Redistricting

The redrawing of congressional and other legislative district lines following the census, to accommodate population shifts and keep districts as equal as possible in population. Why is this significant? This is significant because since the amount of representatives in the House are limited to 435, the population of each state has to be rearranged to make sure that each state is getting the appropriate amount of representation.

Franking privilege

The right of congressmen to send job-related mail to their constituents without paying postage. Why is this significant? This is significant because it lets the constituents get updates about what is going on in Washington without the worry of cost by the state itself. It lets news travel faster and more conveniently for the senator since he/she doesn't have to worry about how to pay for the mail.

Senate pro tempor

the leader of the Senate when the vice president is not around; senior member of the majority party. Honorary position, third in line to be president. Why is this significant? This is significant because since the Vice President is actually never around, the Senate Pro Tempore takes his place.

Senate confirmation

the process outlined in Article Two of the Constitution, giving the Senate the authority to approve appointments made by the president by a 2/3 vote. Why is this significant? This is significant because it shows how the Senate can check the President in his nominees for important heads of offices. This shows how our government is democratic since it is not the Presidents choice alone, it is also the Senates vote that matter.