Key Terms
Legislature
A deliberative body granted authority to create laws governing a society. Operates at local, state, national, and supran
Where ideas come from
Constituents, the media, interest groups, the executive branch, or legislators themselves.
Sponsor
The legislator who introduces a bill and argues on its behalf.
Cosponsors
A group of legislators who jointly introduce legislation.
Hearings
Committees can investigate whether agencies are acting in line with their assigned missions.
Public laws
Laws governing the relationship between government and individuals that apply to all people.
Parliamentary procedures
The rules that structure and guide debate in a legislature. Core principles include the right of the minority to speak,
Majority rule
50 percent of the chamber plus one vote. Standard threshold for most legislation.
Supermajority
A threshold above simple majority. Used for especially consequential decisions.
Filibuster
Unlimited debate used to delay or block a vote in the US Senate. Any senator can invoke it.
Majority party
Holds more than 50 percent of seats. Controls the schedule, holds more committee seats, and is more likely to pass its p
Coalition
Two or more parties that cooperate to form a majority when no single party wins enough seats. Common in proportional rep
Legislative committees
Groups of lawmakers focused on a specific policy area. All parties must be represented, though majority party holds more
Specialization
Legislators focus deeply on one or two policy areas and develop genuine expertise. Legislative delegation: when a legisl
Professional legislature
Meets year-round; legislating is the member's primary job; paid professional staff; salary reflects full-time status.