Legislative Branch Vocab

What is a bicameral legislature?

• A single legislative body

• A lawmaking body made up of two chambers or houses

• A committee within the legislature

• A legislative body with no chambers

What is the minimum number of members required to be present for business to be conducted in Congress called?

• Majority

• Quorum

• Minority

• Plurality

What is the ability of congressional members to mail letters to their constituents free of charge called?

• Postal privilege

• Franking privilege

• Mailing privilege

• Congressional privilege

Who is the legislative leader elected by party members holding the majority of seats in the House or the Senate?

• Minority leader

• Majority leader

• Whip

• Speaker

Who assists the party leader by staying informed about the voting decisions of other members?

• Whip

• Majority leader

• Minority leader

• Speaker

What term describes a strong division in the views of Republicans and Democrats on the legislative agenda?

• Party unity

• Party polarization

• Bipartisanship

• Party cooperation

What is a group of congressional members that meet to pursue a common legislative agenda called?

• Standing committee

• Congressional caucus

• Select committee

• Joint committee

What are permanently established legislative committees that review and consider bills in both the House and Senate called?

• Select committees

• Joint committees

• Standing committees

• Conference committees

What is a joint committee appointed to iron out the differences in the Senate and House versions of the same bill called?

• Select committee

• Joint committee

• Conference committee

• Standing committee

What is a device used to force a bill that has been stuck in committee for over thirty days, out onto the floor?

• Discharge petition

• Cloture motion

• Filibuster

• Veto override