The Legislative Branch 1. Term- Two-year period of time during which Congress meets. 2. Immunity clause- Prevents a state from treating citizens of other states in a discriminatory manner (promotes the oversight function of the Constitution.)

The Legislative Branch 3. Special Sessions- A special meeting of a legislative body, called to deal with an emergency situation. 4. Gerrymandering- The drawing of electoral district lines to give advantage to the political party in control of the State’s legislature.

The Legislative Branch 5. Constituency- The people and interests that an elected official represents. 6. Franking Privilege- Benefits allowing members of Congress to mail letters and other materials postage-free.

The Legislative Branch 7. Strict Constructionist- One who argues a narrow interpretation of the Constitution's provisions, in particular those granting powers to the Federal Government. 8. Liberal Constructionist- One who argues a broad interpretation of the provisions of the Constitution, particularly those granting powers to the Federal Government.

The Legislative Branch 9. Expressed powers- (Enumerated powers) These are delegated powers of the Federal/ National Government spelled out expressly, in the Constitution. 10. Indirect tax- A tax levied (forced) on one party but passed on to another for payment.

The Legislative Branch 11. Speaker of the House- The presiding officer of the House of Representatives, chosen and from the majority party in the House. 12. President pro tempore- The member of the United States Senate, or the upper house of a State’s legislature, chosen to preside in the absence of the president of the Senate.

The Legislative Branch 13. Bill- A proposed law presented to a legislative body for consideration. 14. Veto- Executive power to reject a bill passed by a legislator.

The Legislative Branch 16. Impeachment- Process to decide whether a public official should be removed from office for misconduct. 15. Filibuster- Various tactics (usually long speeches) aimed at defeating a bill in a legislative body by preventing a final vote.

The Legislative Branch 17. The Reapportionment Act of 1929- This act was created due to the 1930 census. It allowed the permanent membership size of the House to be reapportioned at 435. 18. Federal Budget- A detailed financial document containing estimates of federal income and spending during the coming fiscal year.

The Legislative Branch 19. Public Policy- The programs/services that congress provides through federal spending. 20. Elastic Clause- allows Congress to expand its powers beyond what was intended by the Framers.