majority leader of the house
a legislative position held by an important party member in the house. selected by causes or conference
minority leader of the house
the party leader elected by the minority party in the House
ombudsperson
a person who hears and investigates complaints by private individuals against public officials or agencies
oversight
when congress follows up on laws it has enacted
ensures they are being enforced in the way they intended
party identifier
a person who identifies with a political party
president pro tempore
Officer of the Senate selected by the majority party to act as chair in the absence of the vice president
reappointment
A process done every 10 years by Congress that divides the number of representatives in the House amongst the states in an effort to make districts have equal populations
redistricting
The redrawing of congressional and other legislative district lines following the census, to accommodate population shifts and keep districts as equal as possible in population.
representation
function of members of congress as elected officials repping views of their people
rules committee
A standing committee of the House of Representatives that provides special rules under which specific bills can be debated, amended, and considered by the house.
safe seat
An elected office that is predictably won by one party or the other, so the success of that party's candidate is almost taken for granted.
second budget resolution
A resolution passed by Congress in September that sets "binding" limits on taxes and spending for the following fiscal year.
select committee
A temporary legislative committee established for a limited time period and for a special purpose.
senate majority leader
The chief spokesperson of the majority party in the Senate, who directs the legislative program and party strategy.
senate minority leader
The party officer in the Senate who commands the minority party's opposition to the policies of the majority party and directs the legislative program and strategy of his or her party.
seniority system
custom followed by both chambers of congress: member of majority party w/ longest term of continuous service will be given preference when a committee chairperson is selected
speaker of the house
the leader of the majority party who serves as the presiding officer of the House of Representatives
spring review
The annual process in which the Office of Management and Budget requires federal agencies to review their programs, activities, and goals and submit their requests for funding for the next fiscal year.
standing committee
a permanent committee in Congress that oversees bills that deal with certain kinds of issues
trustee
role played by elected representatives who listen to constituents' opinions and then use their best judgment to make final decisions.
whip
member of congress who aids majority/minority leaders of house/senate