Kids in the House

Glossary

A legislative proposal.

The building where the United States Congress meets.

A major feature of the Federal Government’s organization, by which power is distributed across the three branches of government so that each branch checks the others.

A group of Representatives or Senators established by the rules of its respective chamber, where issues are considered and legislation prepared.

The legal document enumerating the structure of the United States federal government and its powers.

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.

Each state is divided into districts based on the state's population. Each district elects on Representative to serve in the House of Representatives.

One of the early political leaders of the United States.

The leadership of a community, state, or nation.

The box where bills that will be introduced in the House are placed.

The room where the House of Representatives meets.

The Clerk, the Sergeant at Arms, the Chief Administrative Officer, and the Chaplain.

The rules adopted by the Members of the U.S. House of Representatives, which enumerate the duties of its various officers, and the rules which govern Members and employees of the House.

To accuse someone of misconduct. The Constitution grants the House of Representatives the sole power of impeachment.

A rule of conduct established and enforced by the authority, legislation, or custom of a given community, state, or nation.

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.

Rooms attached to the House chamber—one for Democrats and one for Republicans—where Members can talk privately, make phone calls, and get snacks.

People elected to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives who have not yet taken the Oath of Office.

The oath each Member-elect must take to officially become a Member of the House.

A code of diplomatic rules of behavior.

A representative from Puerto Rico, elected to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives for a four year term. The Resident Commissioner does not participate in votes, but does serve on committees.

A subgroup of Members of a committee in either the House of Representatives or the Senate that meets to hold hearings or consider legislation.

The President’s ability, as allowed by the Constitution, to prevent a bill or joint resolution from becoming a law. It can be overridden by a two-thirds vote in each chamber of Congress.