Government Chapter 12 Vocabulary Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What does 'Congressional Page' refer to?

A legislative bill

A person working in the office of a member of congress (correct)

An elected member of Congress

A voting procedure

What is the Seniority Rule in U.S. Congress?

A rule by which members have their choice of committee assignments based on length of service.

What is a Filibuster?

An action that obstructs progress in a legislative assembly without violating procedures.

What is Cloture?

A procedure for ending a debate and taking a vote. Signup and view all the answers

What does a 'Hold' mean in legal terms?

Grasp, carry, or support with one's arms or hands. Signup and view all the answers

What is a Rider in legislative procedure?

An additional provision added to a bill that is often unrelated to the main subject. Signup and view all the answers

What is a Christmas Tree Bill?

A bill that attracts many often unrelated floor amendments. Signup and view all the answers

What does Logrolling refer to in politics?

The practice of exchanging favors, especially in voting for proposed legislation. Signup and view all the answers

What is a Closed Rule?

A procedural rule that prohibits amendments to bills unless recommended by the committee. Signup and view all the answers

What is an Open Rule?

A set of regulations that permits general debate and allows members to offer amendments. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Power of Recognition?

A fundamental rule that identifies and understands other rules in legal positivism. Signup and view all the answers

What is a Voice Vote?

A vote taken by noting the strength of calls of yes and no. Signup and view all the answers

What is a Standing Vote?

A procedure that involves members standing to cast their votes. Signup and view all the answers

What is a Roll Call Vote?

A voting procedure where members answer 'yea' or 'nay' when their names are called. Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean to Abstain?

To restrain oneself from doing or enjoying something. Signup and view all the answers

What are Interest Groups?

Organized groups that attempt to influence government policies. Signup and view all the answers

Who are Party Leaders?

The most powerful officials within a political party. Signup and view all the answers

What is an Up or Down Vote?

A direct vote in Congress on an amendment or bill. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Congressional Terms and Definitions

Congressional Page: A role designed for assisting members of Congress and gaining experience in legislative processes.
Seniority Rule: Members of Congress gain preference in committee assignments based on their length of service, promoting experienced lawmakers.
Filibuster: A tactic used to delay or obstruct legislative action, often seen in the form of extended speeches, to prevent a bill from coming to a vote.
Cloture: A formal procedure used to conclude debate in the Senate, enabling a final vote on the bill.
Hold: A mechanism allowing a senator to prevent a motion from reaching the floor, typically used to delay debate on a bill.

Legislative Procedures and Tactics

Rider: An additional provision attached to a legislative bill, often unrelated to the main subject, used to pass controversial measures.
Christmas Tree Bill: A bill with numerous riders or amendments, often designed to attract various interests and provide special benefits to different groups.
Logrolling: The mutual exchange of support between legislators for each other's proposed bills, fostering cooperation for legislative success.
Closed Rule: A limitation on debate for bills where no amendments can be offered unless sanctioned by the reporting committee.
Open Rule: Procedure allowing broad debate and the opportunity for members to propose amendments while a bill is under consideration.

Voting Procedures in Congress

Power of Recognition: A fundamental rule that determines how rules and procedures are identified and understood within legislative contexts.
Voice Vote: A method of voting in which members express their approval or disapproval verbally, with the outcome determined by the volume of responses.
Standing Vote: A voting procedure where members indicate their votes by standing, with results not officially recorded.
Roll Call Vote: A formal voting method requiring members to vocalize their votes as their names are called, now primarily facilitated by electronic systems.
Abstains: The act of refraining from voting or participation in a decision-making process.

Political Dynamics

Interest Groups: Organized entities aiming to sway government policies or actions in favor of specific issues or goals.
Party Leaders: Key figures within political parties responsible for maintaining party influence and managing external relations.
Up or Down Vote: A straightforward voting process on a specific bill or amendment, determining approval or rejection without modifications.

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Description

Explore essential terms and vocabulary from Chapter 12 of your Government course through these flashcards. Key terms like Congressional Page, Seniority Rule, and Filibuster will enhance your understanding of legislative processes. Perfect for review and memorization.