Congress

Front

a permanent committee of legislators from either the House or Senate responsible for specific policy areas

Back

standing committee

Front

a temporary committee formed by either the House or Senate to investigate a specific problem

Back

special committee

Front

a permanent committee of legislators from both the House and Senate

Back

joint committee

Front

a temporary committee of legislators from both the House and Senate

Back

conference committee

Front

publicly funded projects secured by legislators to benefit their home districts or states

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pork

Front

funds allocated by a legislature for a stated purpose as part of a budget or spending bill

Back

appropriations

Front

an amendment attached to a bill that has little or no relation to the subject of the bill

Back

rider

Front

the trading of votes among legislators to ensure the passage of various bills in which they have a special interest

Back

logrolling

Front

a person who lives in an electoral district and is represented by an elected

Back

constituent

Front

a meeting of lawmakers to hear testimony and gather information on a proposed piece of legislation

Back

legislative hearing