Legislative Terms and Concepts Quiz

Study Notes

Legislative Terms and Concepts

Rider: A provision added to a bill to influence its passage or defeat, regardless of relevance to the bill's main topic.
Delegate Form of Representation: A model where elected representatives act solely as mouthpieces for their constituents, lacking autonomy and decision-making based on personal conscience.
Trustee Form of Representation: A representation model allowing elected officials to act with discretion in the best interest of the public, even if it means diverging from constituents' immediate desires.
Logrolling: A practice among legislators involving mutual aid and exchange of votes to support each other's proposals.
Conference Committee: A committee formed by leaders of both legislative chambers to reconcile differences in bills passed in different forms.
Seniority Rule: A principle assigning committee leadership positions to the majority party member with the longest continuous service, promoting experience in legislative processes.
Joint Committee: A committee that consists of members from both houses of Congress, responsible for overseeing specific functions like the Library of Congress and conducting investigations.
Unanimous Consent: A parliamentary procedure wherein a proposal is deemed accepted in the absence of objections from those present, facilitating swift legislative action.
House Rules Committee: A unique committee in the House of Representatives responsible for establishing the rules under which other bills are debated and voted on, influencing legislative workflow.

Constitutional Amendments and Legislative Framework

17th Amendment: Ratified in 1913, this amendment to the U.S. Constitution mandates the direct election of two senators from each state through popular vote, with a six-year term.
Casework: The assistance provided by congressional members to constituents facing issues, reflecting the personal engagement of legislators with their constituents' needs.
Article I: Outlines the structure and authority of the legislative branch of the U.S. government, emphasizing the separation of powers, election procedures, law-making processes, and congressional powers.

Description

Test your knowledge on key legislative terms and concepts! This quiz covers essential vocabulary, models of representation, and specific legislative practices that shape the workings of government. Perfect for students of political science or anyone interested in understanding legislative processes.