The Legislative Branch
Powers of the House
Bills concerning taxes must originate in the House.
Powers of the Senate
Only the Senate has the power to ratify treaties.
Both
Congress may override a President's veto by obtaining the 2/3 majority vote in both House and Senate.
Interesting Bill
The "Pain-Capable Unborn Child Act," which restricts women's capabilities to be allowed abortions, is particularly interesting to me since I am firmly and passionately opposed to legislation preventing women from seeking abortion if she so wishes whilst she is pregnant. This bill was introduced by the House, and since it has already been passed through the House, the Senate is now responsible for either passing or declining the bill.
Other Definitions
Filibuster - a prolonged speech that impedes legislative proceedings
Judiciary Committee - a committee of the Senate responsible for conducting hearings
Mark-Up Session - the process by which the congrssional committee debates or modifies legislation up for vote
Closed Rule - a manuver that prohibits any amendments to bills to be voted on
Pork Barrelling - the use of government funds towards projects that gain votes
Ohio: Swing State?
Ohio is considered a "swing state" because it does not consistently vote majorly republican or majorly democrat, but can "swing" either way and has enough electoral votes to cause a real impact in the final count.
"Gerrymandering"
to manipulate congressional voting districts to the benefit of one's party