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Glossary

Bill
A legislative proposal.
Capitol
The building where the United States Congress meets.
Checks and Balances
The system created by the Founding Fathers of the United States to ensure that no one branch of government becomes too powerful.
Committee
A group of Representatives or Senators who study national problems and suggest solutions.
Constitution
The document that outlines the United States government and its functions.
Delegate
A nonvoting representative in the U.S. House from American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI), Guam, the Virgin Islands, or the District of Columbia.
Districts
Each state is divided into districts based on the state's population. Each district elects one Representative to serve in the House of Representatives.
Founding Father
One of the early political leaders of the United States.
Government
The leadership of a community, state, or nation.
Hopper
The box where bills that will be introduced in the House are placed.
House Chamber
The room where the House of Representatives meets.
House Officers
The Clerk, the Sergeant at Arms, the Chief Administrative Officer, and the Chaplain.
House Rules
The rules of the U.S. House of Representatives. These rules are updated by the Members on the first day of each new Congress.
Laws
A rule of conduct established and enforced by the authority, legislation, or custom of a given community, state, or nation.
Library of Congress
Known as "America's Library," the Library of Congress is the largest library in the world. It is located across the street from the Capitol.
Member Cloakrooms
Rooms attached to the House chamber—one for Democrats and one for Republicans—where Members can talk privately, make phone calls, and get snacks.
Members-elect
People elected to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives who have not yet taken the Oath of Office.
Oath of Office
The pledge made by Members to serve their country.
Public Policy
The basic course of action chosen to guide people in creating laws.
Rebut
To disagree by formal argument.
Resident Commissioner
The representative from Puerto Rico in the U.S. House of Representatives. The Resident Commissioner does not vote on bills, but does serve on committees.
Subcommittee
A smaller committee that focuses on very specific topics.
Veto
A step the President can take to prevent a bill from becoming a law.