A.P. Gov ch 12+13

incumbents

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Terms in this set (34)

those already holding office. in congressional elections, incumbents usually win.

activities of members of Congress that helps constituents as individuals, cutting through bureaucratic red tape to get people what they think they have a right to get.

the mighty list of federal projects, grants, and contracts available to cities, businesses, colleges, and institutions available in a congressional district.

bicameral legislature

a legislatures divided into two houses. the U.S. Congress and every American state legislature except Nebraska's are bicameral.

House Rules Committee

an institution unique to the House of Representatives that reviews all bills (except revenue, budget, and appropriation bills) coming from a House committee before they go to the full House.

a strategy unique to the Senate whereby opponents of a piece of legislation try to talk it to death, based on the tradition of unlimited debate. today, 60 members present and voting can halt a filibuster.

Speaker of the House

an office mandated by the Constitution. the Speaker is chosen in practice by the majority party, has both formal and informal powers, and is second in line to succeed to the presidency should that office become vacant.

majority leader

the principal partisan ally of the Speaker of the House or the party's wheel horse in the Senate. the majority leader is responsible for scheduling bills, influencing committee assignments, and rounding up votes in behalf of the party's legislative positions.

party leaders who work with the majority leader or minority leader to count votes beforehand and lean on waverers whose votes are crucial to a bill favored by the party.

minority leader

the principal leader of the minority party in the House of Representatives or in the Senate.