Terms starting with "A"

Assistant Secretary An assistant secretary is a senior official in a government department or agency who oversees a bureau, policy area, or major set of operations. The title and responsibilities vary by department. Some assistant secretary positions require presidential appointment and Senate confirmation. Associate Justice An Associate Justice is a member of the U.S. Supreme Court other than the Chief Justice. Associate Justices participate in deciding cases, reviewing petitions, and performing the Court's judicial work. The Constitution establishes the Supreme Court, while Congress sets the number of seats by law. At-Large Seat An at-large seat is an elected position in which the officeholder represents an entire state or jurisdiction rather than a smaller geographic district. In the U.S. House, states with only one representative elect that member statewide. Local and territorial governments may also use at-large seats. Audit An audit is a structured examination of records, operations, or controls to assess accuracy, compliance, performance, or financial reporting. Government audits can identify errors, waste, weaknesses in controls, or opportunities to improve programs. An audit's scope and conclusions depend on its mandate and methodology. Authentication Authentication is a court and legal-process term used to describe cases, court authority, legal procedure, judicial review, opinions, or public legal records. Authority Authority is a constitutional and government-structure term used to describe public power, rights, branches of government, constitutional limits, or the relationship between federal and state authority. Authorization An authorization is a law or other legal provision that establishes, continues, or defines a government program or activity and may set limits or conditions on it. Authorization and appropriation are different: authorization provides legal permission or policy direction, while an appropriation provides budget authority to spend money. Authorization Bill A law that establishes or continues a federal program, agency, or policy, and often sets a maximum funding limit for it. It provides the legal foundation for a program to exist, but does not guarantee the money will be spent. Article I The first article of the U.S. Constitution, which establishes the legislative branch of the federal government. It outlines the bicameral structure of Congress, the qualifications for members, and the enumerated powers granted to the federal legislature. Article II The second article of the U.S. Constitution, which establishes the executive branch. It defines the powers and duties of the President and Vice President, outlines the Electoral College process, and sets the qualifications for the executive. Article III The third article of the U.S. Constitution, which establishes the judicial branch. It vests judicial power in one Supreme Court and any inferior courts Congress may establish, defines the scope of federal jurisdiction, and guarantees the right to a jury trial in criminal cases. Article III Court An Article III court is a federal court established under Article III of the U.S. Constitution. Federal district courts, courts of appeals, and the Supreme Court are Article III courts. Their judges generally hold office during good behavior and receive constitutional protections designed to support judicial independence.