U.S. Legislative Terms

Safe seat

• A legislative seat that is likely to be won by a particular party due to the district's demographic composition.

• A seat in a legislative body that is always contested by multiple parties.

• A seat that is guaranteed to be won by the incumbent regardless of the election.

• A seat that is not contested in elections due to lack of interest.

Incumbent

• A current officeholder seeking re-election.

• A candidate running for the first time.

• A former officeholder who has retired.

• An individual who has never held public office.

Trustee

• A representative who makes decisions based on their own judgment and what they believe is in the best interest of the public.

• A person who manages a trust fund for personal gain.

• An individual who oversees the operations of a corporation.

• A member of a board responsible for making financial decisions for a company.

Discharge petition

• A petition in the House of Representatives that forces a bill out of committee and onto the floor for a vote, typically requiring a majority of members.

• A formal request to the Senate to delay a vote on a bill.

• A document that allows members to withdraw their support for a bill.

• A petition that requires a two-thirds majority to pass a bill.

Delegate

• A representative who acts according to the wishes of their constituents rather than their own judgment.

• An individual who makes decisions based solely on personal beliefs.

• A person who represents a group but has no authority to make decisions.

• A member of a committee who only listens to opinions without taking action.

President pro tempore

• A junior member of the Senate who presides over the chamber in the absence of the Vice President.

• A senior member of the Senate who presides over the chamber in the absence of the Vice President.

• A member of the House of Representatives who acts as a liaison to the Senate.

• The Vice President of the United States who oversees Senate sessions.

Rider

• A type of horse used in competitions.

• An additional provision added to a bill that may not be related to the main subject of the legislation.

• A person who travels on a motorcycle.

• A term used for a passenger in a car.

Cloture

• A procedure to end a filibuster and bring a bill to a vote, requiring a three-fifths majority in the Senate.

• A method to initiate a debate in the House of Representatives.

• A process for amending the Constitution with a two-thirds majority.

• A strategy used to delay legislation by extending debate.

Majority leader

• The leader of the majority party in either the House or Senate, responsible for managing legislative priorities.

• A member of the minority party who opposes the majority's agenda.

• The president of the Senate who oversees all legislative sessions.

• A committee chairperson who organizes debates on bills.

Redistricting

• The process of redrawing district boundaries for the House of Representatives after reapportionment.

• The method of allocating seats in the House of Representatives based on population changes.

• The procedure for voting on new laws in Congress.

• The system used to elect the President of the United States.