Congressional Behavior - AP Government and Politics

Manipulating district boundaries for political gain. Often used to create safe seats or dilute opposition voting power.

Minimum number of members needed to conduct business. Usually a majority of members in each chamber.

The 17th Amendment. Previously, state legislatures chose senators instead of voters.

A motion to bring a bill out of committee for a vote. Bypasses committee chairs who block popular legislation.

Investigate specific issues not covered by standing committees. Temporary committees for focused investigations or special issues.

An official who ensures party discipline and vote alignment. Counts votes and pressures members to follow party positions.

A bill proposes law; a resolution addresses internal matters. Bills become law if passed; resolutions express congressional opinion.

Constituency interests. Members consider voter preferences when making legislative decisions.

A meeting of both the House and Senate together. Often used for special occasions like State of the Union.

A measure to fund government temporarily at existing levels. Prevents government shutdown when regular appropriations bills stall.

Budgetary control. Congress controls agency funding through appropriations process.

Specialize in certain areas within a standing committee. Allows detailed examination of specific policy areas.

To postpone or suspend consideration of a bill. Effectively kills a bill by removing it from active consideration.

To redraw electoral district boundaries after a census. Required every 10 years after the census to ensure equal representation.

Determines the terms of debate for bills. Controls when, how long, and under what conditions bills are debated.

Different parties controlling Congress and the presidency. Creates potential for gridlock and compromise in policymaking.

A two-chambered legislature, such as in the U.S. Congress. Designed to balance representation and encourage deliberation.

To make laws. Congress has legislative power under Article I of the Constitution.

6 years. Senators serve staggered terms to provide continuity in the Senate.

2 years. Representatives serve shorter terms for closer connection to voters.

Confirming presidential appointments. The Senate provides advice and consent for presidential nominees.

Initiating revenue bills. Article I, Section 7 grants this power exclusively to the House.

A prolonged speech to delay legislative action. A Senate tradition used to block or delay unwanted legislation.

A procedure to end a filibuster with 60 votes. Cloture limits debate and forces a final vote on legislation.

The House of Representatives. The House has the sole power of impeachment under the Constitution.

The Senate. The Senate has the sole power to try impeachment cases.

A committee to reconcile House and Senate bill versions. Creates compromise legislation when chambers pass different versions.

Standing committee. Permanent committees that handle ongoing legislative business.

Presides over the House and sets legislative agenda. Elected by majority party and third in line for presidential succession.