Terms starting with "T"

Two-Party System A two-party system is one in which two major political parties dominate electoral competition and government. Electoral rules, political history, fundraising, and voter behavior can all contribute to this pattern. Two-Thirds Vote A supermajority requirement: approval by at least two-thirds of the senators or representatives voting, as the Constitution specifies for the highest-stakes actions — overriding a presidential veto, proposing constitutional amendments, expelling a member, and Senate conviction on impeachment. Treaty Ratification Treaty ratification is the process by which the United States gives formal consent to be bound by a treaty. The President negotiates and signs treaties, and the Constitution requires the advice and consent of two-thirds of senators present before the President can ratify a treaty. The treaty's entry into force also depends on its terms and the actions of the other parties. Trial A trial is the formal court proceeding in which the parties present evidence and arguments and the facts of the case are determined, by a jury or by a judge. The Sixth Amendment guarantees criminal defendants the rights to a speedy and public trial, an impartial jury, confrontation of witnesses, and counsel; the Seventh Amendment preserves jury trial in most federal civil cases. A trial follows structured stages — jury selection, opening statements, witness testimony and cross-examination, closing arguments, instructions, and verdict. Trial Court A trial court is a court that initially hears a case, receives evidence, and determines facts and legal issues. Depending on the case, a judge or jury may decide disputed factual questions. Turnout Voter turnout is the number or share of eligible or registered voters who cast ballots in an election. Analysts may calculate turnout using different denominators, such as the voting-age population, voting-eligible population, or registered voters, so figures should identify which measure they use. Transparency Government transparency means making public information about government decisions, operations, and records available so people can understand and scrutinize how public power is used. Laws such as the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) create specific rights to request certain federal agency records, subject to exemptions and procedural requirements. Treaty A treaty is a formal international agreement governed by international law. Under Article II, the President makes treaties with the advice and consent of two-thirds of senators present; the United States also enters other international agreements under different legal authorities. Treaty Document A treaty document is the official document transmitting a treaty to the Senate for its advice and consent. Treaty documents are numbered by Congress and may include the treaty text, related materials, and executive-branch explanations. The Senate may consider the treaty and any proposed conditions or reservations under its treaty procedures. Title See official title, popular title, and short title. Title of Nobility A title of nobility is a hereditary or aristocratic title such as duke or count. The U.S. Constitution prohibits the federal government from granting titles of nobility and also restricts states from granting them. These clauses reflect the constitutional rejection of an official hereditary nobility. Tort A tort is a civil wrong for which the law may provide a remedy, often damages or an injunction. Common tort claims include negligence, defamation, and certain intentional harms.