1. Term- Two-year period of time during which Congress meets.

2. Immunity clause- Prevents a state from treating citizens of other states in a discriminatory manner (promotes the oversight function of the Constitution.)

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3. Special Sessions- A special meeting of a legislative body, called to deal with an emergency situation.

4. Gerrymandering- The drawing of electoral district lines to give advantage to the political party in control of the State’s legislature.

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5. Constituency- The people and interests that an elected official represents.

6. Franking Privilege- Benefits allowing members of Congress to mail letters and other materials postage-free.

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7. Strict Constructionist- One who argues a narrow interpretation of the Constitution's provisions, in particular those granting powers to the Federal Government.

8. Liberal Constructionist- One who argues a broad interpretation of the provisions of the Constitution, particularly those granting powers to the Federal Government.

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9. Expressed powers- (Enumerated powers) These are delegated powers of the Federal/ National Government spelled out expressly, in the Constitution.

10. Indirect tax- A tax levied (forced) on one party but passed on to another for payment.

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11. Speaker of the House- The presiding officer of the House of Representatives, chosen and from the majority party in the House.

12. President pro tempore- The member of the United States Senate, or the upper house of a State’s legislature, chosen to preside in the absence of the president of the Senate.

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13. Bill- A proposed law presented to a legislative body for consideration.

14. Veto- Executive power to reject a bill passed by a legislator.

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15. Filibuster- Various tactics (usually long speeches) aimed at defeating a bill in a legislative body by preventing a final vote.

16. Impeachment- Process to decide whether a public official should be removed from office for misconduct.

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17. The Reapportionment Act of 1929- This act was created due to the 1930 census. It allowed the permanent membership size of the House to be reapportioned at 435.

18. Federal Budget- A detailed financial document containing estimates of federal income and spending during the coming fiscal year.

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19. Public Policy- The programs/services that congress provides through federal spending.

20. Elastic Clause- allows Congress to expand its powers beyond what was intended by the Framers.

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