key terms

Cards (9)

  • Congressional caucuses 

    These are groups of legislators who share special interests and meet to pursue common legislative objectives, e.g. black caucus, women’s caucus, Hispanic caucus
  • Divided government 

    When the House of Representatives, Senate and presidency are not all controlled by one party.
  • Filibuster
    When a senator gives a prolonged speech on the floor of the Senate in order to obstruct legislative progress of a bill or confirmation of appointments to the Executive or judiciary
  • Gridlock
    A situation in US politics where the president and Congress are equally powerful, constantly preventing each other from acting, resulting in difficulty passing legislation.
  • Incumbency
    The current holder of a political office re House or Senate seat or presidency
  • Midterm elections

    Congressional elections held midway through a President’s four year term.
  • Oversight
    The ability of one branch of government to supervise the work of another.
  • Partisanship
    A situation in which Congressmen/women are incredibly loyal to their party, even when it means that the result is gridlock.
  • Unanimous consent 

    A senator or Congressman/woman may request unanimous consent on the floor to set aside a specified rule of procedure so as to expedite proceedings.