Government Chapter 12 Vocabulary Flashcards

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.

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.