U2 Vocabulary Legislative Branch

Part A

Two houses – a Senate and a House of Rperesentatives Bicameral Two houses – a Senate and a House of Rperesentatives

Census According to the Constitution, the United States must count its population for apportionment purposes.

Reapportionment The redistribution of seats in the House of Representatives after the census is taken every ten years.

Gerrymandering When a political party that is in control of the state legislature, draws congressional boundaries to help its candidates win House of Representatives elections.

Censure A formal statement of disapproval from the Senate to one of its members.

An official who is currently holding office. Incumbent An official who is currently holding office.

Any one of the people who live and vote in an area. Constituents Any one of the people who live and vote in an area.

The number of members required before official business can continue. Quorum The number of members required before official business can continue.

Whips Assistant floor leaders who help gather party members’ support for legislation.

Unlimited debate, which is talking a bill to death. Filibuster Unlimited debate, which is talking a bill to death.

Limiting debate in the Senate Cloture Limiting debate in the Senate

Part B

Small groups that Congress has set up on a permanent basis. Standing Committee Small groups that Congress has set up on a permanent basis.

Small groups within a committee Subcommittee Small groups within a committee

A special group set up for a specific purpose. Select Committee A special group set up for a specific purpose.

A bill for raising money. Revenue Bill A bill for raising money.

A bill for spending money. Appropriations Bill A bill for spending money.

An order for someone or something to appear in court. Subpoena An order for someone or something to appear in court.

Perjury Lying under oath

Contempt The refusal to follow the rules of a subpoena issued by a Congressional committee or subcommittee.

Rider When a different or related subject may be attached to the original bill.

Pocket Veto The President does not sign a bill before Congress ends it term during the last 10 days of a Congressional session.

Entitlement A government program that guarantees certain benefits to a particular group or segment of the population.

Lobbyist Someone hired by a cause or business to persuade politicians to pass legislation.