Executive Legislative Judicial Executive

Bill: Legislation introduced in either the 

House or the Senate.

Bill of Rights: Name given to the fi rst ten 

amendments to the U.S. Constitution be-

cause they specifi cally protect the rights 

of individuals.

Cabinet: The President’s closest advisors, 

consisting of the Vice President and, by 

law, the heads of the 15 Executive Branch 

departments. The President or Congress 

may also accord cabinet-level status to 

other top offi cials.

Caucus: In U.S. presidential politics, a 

system used by some states to select 

delegates to state and national nominat-

ing conventions. In a caucus, local party 

members gather to discuss candidates 

and issues, and then vote. In Congress, 

a caucus is a meeting of members of the 

same political party or special interest 

group.

Chamber: A legislative body. The U.S. 

Congress is comprised of two chambers: 

the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House of 

Representatives. Chamber also refers to 

the hall where each body meets to con-

duct offi cial business.