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Bicameral Legislature A legislature divided into two chambers. Bill A proposed law drafted in precise, legal language. Casework Helping constituents navigate bureaucracy to receive benefits. Caucus A grouping of members of Congress sharing some interest or characteristic. Committee Chairs Committee heads who schedule hearings, hire staff, appoint subcommittees and manage committee bills. Very influential. Conference Committee A special committee formed when each chamber passes a bill in different forms. Composed of members of each chamber, conference committees work out compromise bills. Filibuster Unique to Senate. Prevent action on a bill through "unlimited debate." Can be ended only by a vote of cloture by 60+ members. House Rules Committee Unique to House. Appointed by the Speaker, this committee decides when and whether bills voted out of committees get votes on the floor of the House. Incumbents People who hold elected office. Joint Committees Special committees composed of members from each chamber. Legislative Oversight The process of monitoring the bureaucracy and its administration of policy. Majority Leader Leader of the majority party in each chamber and responsible for securing party support for legislation. Minority Leader Leader of the minority party in each chamber and responsible for securing party support for legislation. Pork Barrel Money secured by Congress people for particular projects in their districts. Select Committees Temporary committees formed for a specific purpose. Seniority System Majority party members who have served on a given committee the longest automatically serve as committee chair. Speaker of the House Individual selected by majority party in House to manage the House. Speaker is second in line to succeed the president after the vice president. Standing Committee Permanent committees in each chamber that handle bills in particular policy areas. Party Whip The majority or minority party leader's principle tool for securing support for legislation among party members.