Glossary articles
Filibuster definition
A filibuster is a Senate practice in which one or more senators prolong debate to delay or prevent a vote on a bill, amendment, or nomination. Because debate in the Senate is generally unlimited, senators may continue debate (or signal intent to do so) to block final consideration unless the Senate votes to end debate.The filibuster is not mentioned in the Constitution but developed as a result of the Senate’s rules allowing unlimited debate.
Omnibus bill definition
An omnibus bill is a single piece of legislation that combines multiple, often unrelated measures into one legislative vehicle. Lawmakers commonly use these bills in the appropriations process to consolidate several funding bills into a single package.Sometimes this happens as funding deadlines loom in order to prevent a government shutdown. Omnibus bills condense multiple pieces of legislation into one vote. Due to their length and complexity, these bills may be more difficult to review in full prior to final passage.
Legislative agenda definition
A legislative agenda is the set of policy priorities, proposals, or bills that lawmakers and congressional leaders plan to consider during a legislative session. The legislative agenda determines which issues get attention in hearings, debate, and floor votes, shaping the direction of public policy.Congress receives far more proposals than it can act on, and the agenda determines which measures receive formal legislative consideration. The legislative agenda develops through several stages of the legislative process, including bill introduction, committee consideration, and floor scheduling. Legislative agendas may reflect party priorities, campaign promises, and the major policy goals of elected officials. They may also shift in response to changing political conditions, public opinion, or emerging national issues.
Committee jurisdiction definition
A congressional committee's jurisdiction is the set of subject areas it has authority over. Jurisdiction determines whether a committee has the authority to review a bill, hold hearings on it, and send it to the full House or Senate for consideration.Committees in the House of Representatives and the Senate are granted jurisdiction through the chambers’ rules, which assign committee policy areas and legislative responsibilities. These rules determine which committee considers a bill before it reaches the floor. Committee jurisdiction organizes the legislative process and allows members to develop expertise in specific subjects.
Whip count definition
A whip count is an informal tally congressional leadership conducts to gauge how party members plan to vote on upcoming legislation, amendments, or procedural motions. Whip counts are typically organized by the party whip and their staff, who contact party members to see whether they support or oppose a proposal. Whip counts work as an informal internal survey before an important vote, helping party leaders determine whether they have enough votes to pass a piece of legislation before bringing it to the floor.
Legislative counsel definition
A legislative counsel is a nonpartisan attorney who assists members of Congress and congressional committees by drafting legislation and providing legal guidance on the form and structure of bills, resolutions, and amendments. They translate policy ideas into precise statutory language to ensure that the proposed legislation is clear, internally consistent, and aligned with existing federal law.They’re typically experienced attorneys with expertise in statutory drafting, legislative procedure, and public law and operate on a nonpartisan and confidential basis, assisting members of both parties.
Joint resolution definition
A joint resolution is a particular type of Congressional measure that must pass in both the House of Representatives and the Senate. In most cases, it follows the same legislative process as a bill and then becomes law with the same force as a standard bill.Joint resolutions are typically used for a narrow set of purposes: stopgap government funding, authorizing military force, overturning federal agency rules, and proposing Constitutional amendments. They originate in either chamber; they’re designated H.J.Res. when introduced in the House and S.J.Res. in the Senate.
Runoff election definition
A runoff election, also called a two-round election, is a second, follow-up election held when no one wins a congressional election outright. States usually hold runoffs when no candidate receives a majority (more than 50% of the votes) in the first election. The top two vote-getters from the first election compete in the runoff.The Constitution lets states set the time, place, and manner of their congressional elections, so runoff rules for US Senate and US House races differ by state.
General election definition
A general election is an election in which voters choose who will hold public office; in federal races, general elections pick the president and Congresspeople. Voters pick among candidates from all political parties, along with any independent candidates. It is typically the final step after primaries, in which parties select their nominee. When is the federal general election?Federal law sets one Election Day for all federal offices. It falls on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November, so the date always lands between November 2 and November 8.
Midterm election definition
A midterm election is a congressional election held in the middle of a president's four-year term. Voters elect all 435 members of the US House of Representatives and about one-third of US senators in midterms. Midterm elections happen every four years, in even-numbered years between presidential races — 2022, 2026, etc.When is the next midterm election?The next midterm election is on Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Federal law sets Election Day as the Tuesday after the first Monday in November in even-numbered years.
Redistricting definition
Redistricting is the process of redrawing the boundaries of an electoral district to reflect changes in its population. The process determines how communities are grouped for political representation, shaping who is elected to Congress, state legislatures, and local governing bodies.Redistricting is a state process, but is governed by federal law. The US Constitution, as interpreted by the Supreme Court, requires that each of a state’s congressional districts have nearly equal populations, and the Voting Rights Act of 1965 prohibits maps that weaken the voting power of racial or language minority groups.A 2026 Supreme Court ruling, Louisiana v. Callais, raised the bar for proving those claims. A map now violates the law only when evidence strongly suggests a state drew its districts to intentionally limit voting opportunity based on race. Some states have begun redrawing their maps in response.Within those boundaries, states have broad authority to set their own redistricting practices, including when new maps are drawn.
Ballot measure definition
A proposition — also called a ballot measure — is a potential new law, constitutional amendment, or policy question placed on a ballot. Voters approve or reject the measure directly, rather than leaving the decision to elected officials. They happen at the state, county, and city levels and are used to address issues like taxes, bond laws, and wages.The name for these ballot measures varies by state; California numbers its statewide measures as propositions while Washington calls them initiatives and referenda. Each state specifies its own naming and rules via state constitutions and election laws. What is the difference between an initiative and a referendum?An initiative lets voters propose a new law or a change to an existing law by petition. In some states, including California, an initiative can also amend the state constitution.A referendum lets voters approve or reject a law the state legislature has already passed. The legislature can also refer its own proposed laws to the voters for a decision.(Both fall under the larger category of “proposition,” which includes any legal/policy question citizens vote on directly.)How does a proposition get on the ballot?Most measures qualify by petition. Supporters gather signatures from registered voters, and election officials check the signatures. If the petition has enough signatures — the required number is usually a share of the votes cast in a past statewide election — then the measure qualifies.In California, a statewide referendum needs 546,651 valid signatures to qualify, equal to 5% of the votes cast for governor in 2022. In Washington, an initiative needs 308,911 valid signatures. That equals 8% of the votes cast for governor in 2024.State legislatures can also vote to place a measure on the ballot without a petition.
Primary election definition
A primary election decides which candidates a political party sends to the general election. Voters usually vote in the primary of the party they’re registered with. Federal primaries are held for the offices of president, US senator, and US representative. For congressional candidates, the primary winner becomes the party's nominee, while presidential nominees are chosen later at each party's national convention.Most primaries are run by state and local election officials. Parties are not required to hold one, and can instead choose to pick nominees with a caucus, a meeting run by the party. How do primary elections work?In a primary election, voters cast a secret ballot for one candidate from a single party. Typically, the candidate with the most votes wins the nomination. Some states require a majority, or more than half the votes; if no candidate reaches it, the top two meet again in a primary runoff election.Presidential primaries work differently. Voters don’t select a candidate directly, but pick delegates who represent their state at the party's national convention. The convention delegates then select the nominee.
Election Assistance Commission (EAC) definition
The Election Assistance Commission (EAC) is an independent, bipartisan federal body that helps state and local officials run federal elections. The agency shares election administration information, sets voluntary voting system guidelines, and distributes federal election funds to states. The EAC also tests and certifies voting systems and accredits laboratories that test them. States can decide whether or not to use the agency's guidelines and certification program.The agency also publishes and updates the national mail voter registration form. Congress required the form in the National Voter Registration Act of 1993. Voters send the completed form to their state or local election office, which processes the registration.Congress created the EAC in the Help America Vote Act of 2002.
Provisional ballot definition
When a person’s eligibility to vote can’t be confirmed at the polling place, that person can cast a provisional ballot. Election officials set these votes aside and count them only after they verify the voters’ eligibility. The Help America Vote Act of 2002 requires every state to offer provisional ballots in federal elections.
Presidential appointees definition
Presidential appointees are high-ranking employees of the federal government who are selected by the president. The president has free rein for some of these appointments; others require Senate confirmation. The Constitution splits responsibility for filling top executive branch positions between the President and the Senate. The appointments clause (Article II, Section 2) says:[The President] shall nominate, and by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate, shall appoint Ambassadors, other public Ministers and Consuls, Judges of the supreme Court, and all other Officers of the United States, whose Appointments are not herein otherwise provided for, and which shall be established by Law.What government positions are appointed by the president? Presidents appoint the leaders of government agencies (often the people with titles such as director, secretary, chair, or administrator), oversight commission members (who review and supervise federal agencies to prevent fraud, and ethical lapses, among other things), ambassadors, and federal judges. You can see the full list of presidential appointees here. How are presidential appointees confirmed?The presidential appointment process has three steps:The president selects and vets a candidate, then submits the nomination to the Senate.The Senate reviews and votes on the nomination, usually in a committee.The confirmed nominee is commissioned, sworn in, and assumes the full duties of the office.
Temporary Protected Status (TPS) definition
Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is a temporary immigration status provided to qualifying applicants from certain countries that are experiencing conditions that make it unsafe for them to return home. These conditions may include ongoing armed conflict (such as civil war), environmental disasters (like earthquakes, hurricanes, or epidemics), or extraordinary and temporary conditions that prevent safe return.TPS was created by the Immigration Act of 1990. It allows eligible individuals from designated countries to live and work in the United States temporarily.The Secretary of Homeland Security makes TPS designations in consultation with other federal agencies, including the Department of State, National Security Council, and occasionally the Department of Justice. TPS designations are granted for six, 12, or 18 months at a time, and may be extended if conditions in the country remain unsafe.Individuals must apply through US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to receive TPS. Each applicant must meet eligibility requirements, including continuous physical presence in the US since the designation date and no serious criminal history.
Roll call vote definition
A roll call vote is a vote in which each member of a legislative body votes individually, and their vote is entered into the official record. During a roll call vote, members’ names are either called aloud or electronically recorded by a voting station, and each of their votes is documented:s “yea,” “nay,” or sometimes, “present.”Roll call votes create an official public record of how lawmakers vote on legislation, amendments, nominations, and procedural matters. They promote transparency and accountability by allowing constituents to review their representatives’ voting decisions.When is a roll call vote required?Roll call votes aren’t used for every decision in Congress; lots of routine matters are decided by oral vote or unanimous consent. Chamber rules require roll call votes when members formally request a recorded vote, or for certain types of legislative action as defined in the Constitution or chamber rules, or when leadership and/or chamber agreements specify it.1. When members request a recorded voteThe Constitution gives lawmakers in both chambers the right to force a roll call vote if enough of their colleagues support the request.House of RepresentativesIn the House, a roll call vote is required when at least one-fifth of a quorum present supports it. A quorum in the House is a majority of members present (218 people, if all seats are filled).SenateIn the Senate, a roll call vote is required when one-fifth of senators present request it. Senate proceedings often rely on voice votes or unanimous consent, so allowing roll call votes means that senators can demand a public, recorded vote when desired.2. When the US Constitution requires recorded votesIn certain cases, roll call votes are mandatory because the Constitution requires them. These include:Overriding of a Presidential vetoExpelling a member of Congress3. When chamber rules require recorded votes for specific actionsCertain legislative procedures require roll call votes under congressional rules or long-standing practice. Examples include:Senate cloture votes (the process of formally ending a debate or filibuster) Confirmation of presidential nominations Treaty approval in the Senate4. When Leadership or Chamber Agreements Require Recorded VotesSometimes, leadership or negotiated agreements specify that votes must be recorded. This often occurs with:Major or controversial legislationBudget measuresHigh-profile amendmentsWhat is the procedure for a roll call vote?The procedure for a roll call vote varies slightly between the House and Senate, but follows the same general steps.A Representative or Senator requests a roll call vote under their chamber’s rules.The presiding officer determines whether the request meets the chamber’s requirements. If it does, they order the vote.The presiding officer announces the voting period. In the House, electronic votes typically last at least 15 minutes for the first vote in a series, though later votes may be shorter. Senate votes usually remain open until all senators have had an opportunity to vote.Members cast their votes. In the House, most roll call votes occur electronically. Reps insert voting cards into electronic voting stations and select their vote. In the Senate, the clerk typically calls senators’ names alphabetically, and each senator states their vote orally.The presiding officer announces the final tally, which is entered into the official Congressional Record.
Legislative rider definition
A rider is a legislative provision added to a bill or resolution that is often not directly related to the legislation’s main purpose. Riders are frequently attached to larger or must-pass bills to increase the likelihood that the provision will become law.Riders are commonly used to change policy, funding, or regulatory issues that might not pass if considered as standalone legislation. Because they are included in broader legislation, riders are typically debated and voted on as part of the full bill.What are some examples of a rider?Riders frequently appear in appropriations bills, which fund federal government operations. Lawmakers sometimes add provisions that limit how federal funds may be used or require agencies to take or avoid certain actions.Congress has periodically included riders in appropriations legislation that restrict the use of federal funds for specific activities. These riders become legally binding when the larger appropriations bill is enacted into law, even though the rider may address a different policy issue than government funding.What's the difference between a rider and an omnibus bill?Although riders and omnibus bills are both legislative tools that combine multiple issues into a single measure, they serve different purposes.RiderA rider is a single provision attached to a larger bill. Riders often address a policy issue that is separate from or only loosely related to the main subject of the bill. Riders are frequently used to influence policy by attaching provisions to must-pass legislation, such as funding bills.Omnibus billAn omnibus bill is a single piece of legislation that combines multiple measures or subjects into one large bill. Omnibus bills are often used to package numerous appropriations measures or policy provisions together to streamline the legislative process.Unlike a rider, which is typically an add-on provision, an omnibus bill is intentionally structured from the beginning to include multiple topics or legislative initiatives.
Federal Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) definition
A federal Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provides employees with free, confidential support for dealing with both personal or job-related issues. EAPs are voluntary and are meant to help with a range of concerns: stress, grief, family issues, substance use, mental health. They may also advise managers on employee or organizational challenges and assist with preventing or responding to workplace trauma. Services can include assessments, short-term counseling, referrals, and follow-up care.