Written by an expert on the topic, this comprehensive A-to-Z volume contains all the material a reader needs to understand the United States Congress, including the people, events, and terms involved in the legislative branch of government. It also provides explanations of the relationships between the legislative and other branches of government, court cases, elections, political opponents, congressional leaders, scandals, controversial issues, and the inner workings of Congress. Entries include: Backdoor spending; Tom DeLay; Filibuster; Impeachment powers; Lobbying; Thomas P. "Tip" O'Neill, Jr.' Pork barrel; Racial gerrymandering; Recess appointments; Savings-and-loan crisis; Speaker of the House; and Daniel Webster.