Untitled Quiz

The process of redrawing district lines for congressional elections after a census. This happens every 10 years and can impact the number of representatives a state has in Congress.

Manipulation of electoral districts to favor a particular political party or group. This can involve moving incumbents into the same district or splitting their districts to weaken their support.

A person who currently holds an elected office and is running for re-election. They have an advantage over challengers due to name recognition and access to resources.

An elected office for which the incumbent is not running for re-election. These seats are often contested by strong candidates from both parties.

A widespread shift in public opinion that can lead to significant changes in the composition of Congress. Examples include the 1994, 2006, and 2010 elections.

The degree to which voters are familiar with a candidate's name. This is a key factor in elections, especially in open seats.

The relative strength of each political party in an electoral district. In districts with close party balance, both parties have a chance of winning.

The census determines how many representatives each state gets in Congress, and this can lead to redistricting, which redraws district boundaries. Redistricting can impact who gets elected.

The presiding officer of the House of Representatives, elected by the majority party. They have both formal and informal powers and are second in line to the presidency.

A tactic used by a minority in the Senate to delay or block a vote on a bill by continuously speaking. This tactic can only be stopped with a 67-vote supermajority.

It is difficult to obtain the 67 votes needed to change the rules, and senators prioritize protecting minority interests over expediting legislation favored by the majority.

A situation where legislative action is stalled due to a stalemate between the majority and minority parties.

The concerns and priorities of a group with less power than the majority.

The process of guiding and directing the actions of members of Congress. This is often influenced by party leadership.

The influence and control of political parties within Congress, where party members often prioritize their party's agenda.

Formal powers are explicitly granted by the Constitution, while informal powers are gained through tradition, influence, and strategic actions.

The process of assigning members of Congress to specific committees, which are responsible for overseeing different areas of government policy.

The ability of a member of Congress to win re-election, often influenced by their committee assignments and their ability to bring benefits to their constituents.

The influence a Speaker of the House has beyond their formal powers, often gained through relationships and negotiation.

The role of the Speaker of the House when the party they represent is in opposition to the president, often acting as the public voice of their party.

The top partisan ally of the Speaker of the House, elected by the majority party to help manage legislative strategy and round up support for bills.

The process of securing enough votes to pass legislation in the House, often achieved through negotiation and persuasion.

A member of a congressional committee who helps guide a bill through the legislative process, securing votes for it.

A committee member who provides advice and guidance to other members, particularly regarding the content and strategy of a bill.

A temporary committee formed when the House and Senate pass different versions of the same bill, to reconcile the differences and create one unified bill.

The process by which Congress monitors the executive branch's implementation of laws, ensuring they are carried out effectively.

Congress oversees agencies mainly through hearings where agency heads and officials are questioned about their performance and any issues related to their policies.

The relevant congressional committee reviews the agency's current budget, considering its performance and any potential issues.

Congress can use oversight to pressure agencies to comply with congressional wishes, refine existing policies, or address emerging problems.

Committee staff members specialize in the fields and agencies their committees oversee, providing expertise and maintaining contacts with the bureaucracy.

Employees who assist members of Congress in their legislative duties, including research, constituent services, and policy development.

Direct services provided by congressional staff to constituents, such as addressing concerns, answering questions, and resolving issues.

Congressional staff who focus on policy and legislative matters, including drafting bills, analyzing legislation, and negotiating with other lawmakers.

Employees who support congressional committees in their work, organizing hearings, writing reports, and researching policy options.

Local offices established by members of Congress in their districts or states to provide easier access to services and communication.

Individuals or groups who attempt to influence lawmakers on behalf of special interests.

Congressional staff who act as go-betweens for members of Congress, coordinating communication and negotiation.

The branch of government that enforces laws, led by the President.

A group of Congress members with shared interests, either based on demographics, region, ideology, or economic interests.

Caucuses give their members a platform to influence policy by pushing for specific legislation, organizing votes, and amplifying their voices on important issues.

While interest groups petition Congress from the outside, caucuses consist of Congress members themselves, giving them a direct and influential voice within the legislative process.

Congressional staff provides members with the support needed to manage their responsibilities, such as researching bills, drafting legislation, and handling constituent requests.

Congressional staff significantly influences policymaking by shaping the arguments and information presented to members, impacting their decisions and actions.

Individual assistants working directly for specific members of Congress, providing support and expertise on various issues.

Personal staff helps members of Congress handle the enormous workload associated with representing their constituents, crafting legislation, and staying informed on various issues.

With limited time and resources, members rely on their personal staff to handle the countless responsibilities of their position, from constituent services to legislative work.