Which term refers to a communications network in Congress that helps leaders gather support?

The term that refers to a communications network in Congress that helps leaders gather support is the whip system. The whip system is a vital mechanism used by party leaders to ensure party discipline and coordinate party members' votes on legislation. Whips serve as intermediaries between the party leadership and members, actively encouraging attendance for votes, and gauging member support for particular legislative initiatives. Through this network, whips can effectively communicate the party's position and rally support, making it a crucial tool in legislative strategy.

In contrast, the filibuster relates to a Senate procedure where a member can extend debate to delay or block a vote on legislation. Logrolling involves the practice of exchanging favors or votes among legislators to secure the passage of their respective projects, while distributive tendency refers to a pattern in which Congress tends to spread benefits across various constituents to gain support. While these concepts are important in understanding congressional dynamics, they do not function specifically as a communications network for gathering support like the whip system does.