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Chapter 5 Vocab 2

Terms

undefined, object
copy deck
pocket veto
a way in which the President can reject a bill when Congress is not in session by not signing it
Gerrymandering
The process of drawing Congressional District Lines to favor one political party over another.
writ of habeas corpus
a court order reassuring that an accused person be brought to court to determine if there is enough evidence to hold the person for trial
elastic clause
Artcl 1 Sectn 8 of the Constitution, known also as the necessary and proper clause: allows Congress to extend its delegated powers
filibuster
a method of delaying action on a bill in the Senate by making long speeches
Floor leader
a political party leader in Congress who works for the passage of bills the party favors
roll-call vote
a vote in Congress in which a record is made of how each member votes
appropriation bill
a bill approving the spending of public money
cloture
a limit on the debate of a bill in the Senate
Committee
a small group in Congress formed to consider bills
Seniority System
The custom of giving leadership of committees to members of congress with the most years of service.
Caucus
A meeting of party leaders to determine party policy or to choose the party's candidates for public office
Immunity
legal protection, can't be prosecuted
Conference Committee
a temporary congressional committee made up of Senators and Representatives who try to reach an agreement on different versions of a bill
Constituent
A person represented by members of a law making body.
A joint committee
committee made up of members of both houses of Congress to deal with matters of mutual concern
Term limits
laws that limit the number of terms an elected official can serve
implied powers
power not specifically granted to Congress by the Constitution; but which are necessary to carry out its delegated powers
Party Whip
The assistant to the Floor Leader who tries to persuade party members to vote for bills the party supports
Censure
a formal diapproval of the actions of a member of Congress (or the President) by the other members of Congress
Expulsion
the removal of a member of Congress for serious misconduct
President Pre Tempore
The official who presides over the Senate in the Vice President's absence
Bill of Attainder
law sentencing a person to jail without a trial
impeachment
a formal charge brought against a government official
Minority Party
the political party that has fewer members in Congress or in a State's Legislature
Select committee
a temporary House or Senate committee appointed to deal with an issue not handled by a standing committee
Bill
A proposed law being considered by a law making body
treason
an act that betrays and endangers one's country
Standing committee
a permanent House or Senate committee that considers bills in certain areas
ex post facto law
law that applies to an action that took place before the law was passed
Apportion
to distribute the seats of the House of Representatives (give # of seats per state)
Franking Privilege
the right of members of Congress to mail official letters free of charge
act
a law
Session
A meeting of Congress
Speaker
the presiding officer of the House of Representatives
Majority Party
The political party that has more members in Congress or in a State Legislature.
quorum
the minimum number of members who must be present before a legislative body can conduct business
Subcommittee
a division of a standing Congressional committee that deals with specific issues in the area handled by the committee as a whole

Deck Info

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