Legislative Vocabulary
Bicameral
2 house legislature
Filibuster
speaking or talking out
a bill to delay or
prevent a vote
Strom Thurman
24 hrs and 18
minutes
Political parties
organization to gain or
maintain political
power
Political Action Committees
private groups
organized to elect
candidates or to
advance an issue
Speaker
Presiding legislative
officer in the House
Whips
person to ensure control
of the decision
making process
President Pro Tem
2nd ranking official of
the Senate –
presides in absence
of Vice President
Gerrymandering
Changing political
districts to favor a
party or group
Protectorates
Philippines are
protected militarily
and diplomatically
Territories
Political divisions
under Federal
Government (Puerto
Rico, Guam,
American Samoa,
Virgin Islands)
Federal Districts
District of Columbia
(DC) – It is not part
of any state
Impeachment
Formally accused of
unlawful activity