Legislative Branch I

sets up the legislative branch

Powers not specifically mentioned in the constitution

powers that congress has that are specifically listed in the constitution

Assistance given to constituents by congressional members, answering questions/doing favors

a person who hears and investigates complaints by private individuals against public officials or agencies

a model of representation in which a member of the House or Senate follows his or her own conscience when deciding issue positions

The view that an elected represent should represent the opinions of his or her constituents.

a provision in a bill that benefits a specific congressional constituency

The United States Congress has the authority to conduct hearings, investigations, and budget reviews of the actions by the executive branch.

The electoral advantage a candidate enjoys by virtue of being an incumbent, over and above his or her other personal and political characteristics

Benefit allowing members of Congress to mail letters and other materials postage-free

Constitutional power given to Congress to raise and spend money

Process by which representative districts are switched according to population shifts, so that each district encompasses approximately the same number of people

The drawing of new electoral district boundary lines in response to population changes.

Process of redrawing legislative boundaries for the purpose of benefiting the party in power.