Congressional Vocabulary

a fringe benefit, health insurance, parking spots at airports, expense accounts for office space and staff

perk

members of Congress send mail free to inform

constituents of their lawmaking activities

franking privilege

direct election of Senators

17th Amendment

section 2 states that Congress begins its term on

January 3rd at noon

20th Amendment

group of citizens a member of Congress represents; in

the Senate representation is of the entire state; in the House representation is approximately 625,000

people

constituent

area of land a member of the House represents

district

length of time a person serves in office

term

numbered odd numbered years, every two years

(112th Congress 2011-2013)

numbering of Congressional terms

two houses (House & Senate)

bicameral

proposed law

bill

official count of population taken every 10 years

census

process by which the legislature calls for the removal of an individual from office for an alleged

misconduct (nonlegislative power)

impeachment

money bills, all must start in the House

revenue

distribute according to population (seats in House

of Representatives)

apportion

powers granted to Congress in Article I, Section 8,

Clause 18 to make laws necessary to carry out its

duties

necessary and proper clause

The End