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Bicameral Legislature
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A lawmaking body made up of two chambers or parts. In the US it is the House of Representatives and a Senate.
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Filibister
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Prolonged speech, or series of speeches, made to delay action in a legislative assembly. The Senate is the only body that can do this.
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Marginal districts
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Political districts in which candidates elected to the House of Representatives win in close elections, typically by less than 55% of the vote.
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Safe districts
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Districts in which incumbents win by margins of 55% or more.
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Conservative coalition
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An alliance between Republican and conservative Democrats.
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Majority leader
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The legislative leader elected by party members holding the majority of seats in the House or the Senate.
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Minority leader
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The legislative leader elected by party members holding a minority of seats in the House or the Senate.
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Whip
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A senator or representative that helps the party leader stay informed about what party members are thinking. He or she has several other senators to assist them.
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Party polarization
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A vote in which a majority of Democratic legislators oppose a majority of Republican legislators.
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Caucus
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An association of Congress members created to advance a political ideology or a regional, ethnic, or economic interest.
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Standing committees
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Permanent committees that consider and are responsible for legislation within a certain subject area. `
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Select committees
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Congressional committees that are appointed for a limited time and purpose.
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Joint committees
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Committees on which both senators and representatives serve.
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Conference committees
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A joint committee appointed to resolve differences in the Senate and House versions of the same bill.
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Public bill
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Legislative bill that deals with matters of general concern.
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