Speaker of The House
The presiding officer of the House of Representatives, chosen by and from the majority party in the House.
President of the Senate
The presiding officer of a senate; in Congress, the Vice President of the United States; In a State's legislature, either the lieutenant governor or a senator.
President pro tempore
The member of the United States Senate, or of the upper house of a legislature's, chosen to preside in the absence of the president of the Senate.
Party Caucus
A closed meeting of a party's House or Senate members; also called a party conference.
Floor Leader
Members of the House and Senate picked by their parties to carry out party decisions and steer legislative action to meet party goals.
Whip
Assistants to the floor leaders in the House and Senate, responsible for monitoring and marshalling votes.
Committee Chairman
Member who heads a standing committee in a legislative body.
Seniority Rule
Unwritten rule in both houses of Congress reserving the top posts in each chamber, particularly committee chairmanships, for members with the longest records of service.