Kids in the House

Glossary

Bill

A legislative proposal.

Capitol

The building where the United States Congress meets.

Checks and Balances

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.

Committee

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

Constitution

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

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 on 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 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.

Impeach

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

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

Protocol

A code of diplomatic rules of behavior.

Resident Commissioner

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.

Subcommittee

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

Veto

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.