Civic Glossary

A federal organization created to perform a specific function, such as the EPA or NASA. May be independent or part of an executive department.

A proposed change to a bill or resolution. Amendments can be offered during committee markup or floor debate.

A legal document filed by non-parties to provide information or arguments relevant to a case. Latin for "friend of the court."

The process of dividing the 435 House seats among the 50 states based on population, conducted after each census.

The chief legal officer of a state or the federal government. Oversees the state's legal affairs and law enforcement.

A proposed law presented to Congress for consideration. Bills can originate in either the House or Senate, except revenue bills which must start in the House.

Involving cooperation between both major political parties. A bipartisan bill has significant support from both Democrats and Republicans.

The practice of collecting multiple individual contributions and presenting them together to a candidate or party.

The group of senior appointed officials who head the executive departments and advise the President.

A Senate procedure to end debate on a bill and bring it to a vote. Requires 60 votes (three-fifths of the Senate) to invoke.

The member who leads a committee, typically from the majority party. Controls the agenda and presides over hearings.

A temporary committee formed to resolve differences between House and Senate versions of a bill.

The legislative branch of the U.S. federal government, consisting of the Senate and the House of Representatives. A new Congress convenes every two years.

A geographic area represented by a single member of the House of Representatives. Districts are redrawn every 10 years after the census.

Political spending by nonprofit organizations that are not required to disclose their donors.

A non-voting member of the House representing a U.S. territory (Puerto Rico, Guam, Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Northern Mariana Islands) or Washington D.C.

The final official copy of a bill that has passed both chambers in identical form, prepared for presentation to the President.

One of the 15 federal departments headed by a Cabinet secretary (e.g., Department of Defense, Department of Education).

A directive issued by the President to manage operations of the federal government. Has the force of law but can be reversed by future presidents.

Federal Election Commission. The independent agency that enforces campaign finance laws for federal elections.

A court established by the federal government to hear cases involving federal law, the Constitution, or disputes between states.

A tactic used in the Senate to delay or block a vote by extending debate. Can only be ended by invoking cloture.

The final election to fill a political office. For federal offices, held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November.

The practice of drawing electoral district boundaries to favor one party or group over another.

The chief executive of a state, responsible for implementing state laws and overseeing the state's executive branch.

Campaign contributions that are subject to federal limits and disclosure requirements.

A formal meeting where a committee gathers information from witnesses through testimony. May be legislative, oversight, or investigative.

The lower chamber of Congress with 435 voting members, apportioned among the states by population. Representatives serve two-year terms.

A person currently holding an elected office who is seeking re-election.

A committee composed of members from both the House and Senate. Often focused on administrative or investigative matters.

A legislative measure that requires approval by both the House and Senate and the signature of the President. Has the same force as a bill when enacted.

The power of courts to determine whether laws and government actions are constitutional. Established in Marbury v. Madison (1803).

The second-highest executive official in most states. Often presides over the state senate and succeeds the governor if needed.

The floor leader of the majority party in each chamber. In the Senate, schedules legislation and manages floor proceedings.

The process by which a congressional committee debates, amends, and rewrites proposed legislation.

A general election held in the middle of a president's four-year term. All House seats and one-third of Senate seats are contested.

The floor leader of the minority party in each chamber. Coordinates strategy and serves as chief spokesperson for the minority.

The process by which Congress can reject a presidential veto. Requires a two-thirds majority vote in both the House and Senate.

Political Action Committee. An organization that raises and spends money to elect or defeat candidates, subject to contribution limits.

A vote in which most or all members vote according to their party affiliation.

An indirect veto that occurs when the President does not sign a bill and Congress adjourns within 10 days of passing it.

An election held to determine which candidates will represent a political party in the general election.

A bill or joint resolution that has been enacted into law. Assigned a public law number (e.g., P.L. 117-58).

The minimum number of members required to conduct business. In the House and Senate, a quorum is a simple majority (218 and 51, respectively).

The senior member of the minority party on a committee. Serves as the lead spokesperson for the minority on committee matters.

The process of redrawing electoral district boundaries, typically after each decennial census.

A member of the House of Representatives. Also called a Congressman or Congresswoman.

Puerto Rico's delegate to the House of Representatives. Serves a four-year term, unlike other delegates who serve two-year terms.

A formal expression of opinion or intent by one or both chambers. Unlike bills, simple resolutions do not have the force of law.

A vote in which each member's position is recorded by name. Also called a "recorded vote" or "yea and nay vote."

A temporary committee created to investigate a specific issue or perform a specific function. May also be called a special committee.

The upper chamber of Congress with 100 members—two from each state. Senators serve six-year terms, with one-third up for election every two years.

A member of the Senate. Each state has two Senators regardless of population.

Funds raised outside federal limits, historically used for party-building activities. Largely banned by the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act of 2002.

The presiding officer of the House of Representatives and second in the presidential line of succession. Elected by the full House.

A permanent committee with jurisdiction over specific policy areas. Most legislation is referred to standing committees for consideration.

The lawmaking body of a state. Most states have a bicameral legislature with a senate and house/assembly.

A subdivision of a standing committee that focuses on a narrower policy area within the committee's jurisdiction.

An independent expenditure-only committee that can raise unlimited funds from individuals, corporations, and unions to support or oppose candidates.

The highest court in the federal judiciary, consisting of nine justices who serve lifetime appointments.

A procedure allowing action without a formal vote if no member objects. Used to expedite routine business.

The President's constitutional power to reject a bill passed by Congress. Congress can override a veto with a two-thirds vote in both chambers.

A vote taken by members calling out "aye" or "no" together. Individual positions are not recorded.

A party leader responsible for counting votes, ensuring party discipline, and communicating the party's position to members.