Congressional Elections - AP Government and Politics

Elections held halfway through a president's term. Occur in even-numbered years without presidential races.

Drawing district boundaries to favor a party. Manipulates electoral boundaries for political advantage.

The House of Representatives. Constitutional role as prosecutor in impeachment process.

The Senate. Acts as jury to determine guilt in impeachment cases.

Current holder of a political office. Enjoys electoral advantages from name recognition and resources.

An official in the final period of office. Period between election defeat and successor's inauguration.

Permanent committee with specific duties. Continues across multiple sessions with ongoing jurisdiction.

Having two legislative chambers. System divides legislative power between two houses.

Sense of Congress. Expresses opinion without force of law.

State of the Union Address. Annual constitutional requirement for presidential report.

Government spending for localized projects. Funding that benefits specific districts or regions.

Minimum number of members needed to conduct business. Usually requires majority of members to be present.

An additional provision added to a bill. Often unrelated amendment attached to popular bills.

President's indirect veto by not signing a bill. Occurs when Congress adjourns within 10 days.

Determines the rules for debate on a bill. Controls timing and amendment process for legislation.

Resolve differences in House and Senate bills. Reconciles different versions passed by each chamber.

Ensure party discipline in voting. Counts votes and maintains party unity.

Election to determine a party's candidate. Narrows field before the general election.

Meeting of party members to select candidates. Alternative to primary elections in some states.

Filibuster. Unique Senate tactic to block legislation through delay.

Procedure to end a filibuster. Requires 60 votes to invoke and end debate.

Closed primary. Restricts participation to maintain party unity.

Open primary. Allows crossover voting between party lines.

A district consistently won by one party. Predictable outcome reduces competitive elections.

Apportionment. Based on state population from the decennial census.

Temporary committee for specific issues. Created to investigate particular problems or events.

Bill. Formal proposal that must pass both chambers.

A district where a minority group is the majority. Created to ensure minority representation in Congress.

6 years. Longer term provides stability in the upper chamber.