Unit 5 Legislative Branch Vocabulary

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Expressed Powers

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Specific powers explicitly granted to Congress by the Constitution, also known as enumerated powers (such as the power to tax, regulate interstate commerce, and declare war).

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Bicameral

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A legislative body consisting of two chambers or houses; the U.S. Congress is bicameral with the House of Representatives and the Senate.

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Congress

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The legislative branch of the U.S. government, consisting of the House of Representatives and the Senate, responsible for making federal laws.

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Revenue Bill

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Legislation that deals with taxation and government income; according to the Constitution, all revenue bills must originate in the House of Representatives.

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Implied Powers

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Powers not explicitly stated in the Constitution but derived from the elastic clause (necessary and proper clause), allowing Congress to carry out its expressed powers.

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Bill

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A proposed law presented to a legislature for consideration; it becomes law if passed by both houses of Congress and signed by the President.

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Gerrymandering

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The practice of drawing electoral district boundaries to favor one political party or group over another.

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Term

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The fixed period of time for which an elected official serves in office (2 years for House members, 6 years for Senators).

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Session

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A period during which Congress meets to conduct business, typically lasting from January to late in the year.

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Primaries

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Elections held to determine which candidates will represent each political party in the general election.