Terms starting with "U"

Unwritten Constitution An unwritten constitution refers to political conventions, customs, practices, and precedents that shape how a government operates but are not all set out in one constitutional text. In the United States, such practices coexist with the written Constitution and do not override it. Universal Suffrage Universal suffrage is the principle that voting rights should extend broadly to adult citizens without exclusion based on characteristics such as race, sex, wealth, or social status. In practice, eligibility rules and restrictions vary by jurisdiction, and the history of suffrage expansion has involved constitutional amendments and legislation. Unpublished Opinion An unpublished opinion is an appellate court decision that the court has designated as not published in its official reporter and, in most courts, not binding precedent. In the federal courts of appeals such decisions are typically labeled "unpublished," "nonprecedential," or (in the Ninth Circuit) memorandum dispositions. Federal Rule of Appellate Procedure 32.1, effective January 1, 2007, prohibits courts from barring a party from citing such dispositions, so unpublished opinions can still be cited and cited courts may consider them — they just do not bind future panels the way published opinions do. Unfunded Mandate An unfunded mandate is a requirement imposed on a state, local, or tribal government without sufficient federal funding to cover the costs, in the broader policy sense. The Unfunded Mandates Reform Act defines particular mandates and establishes procedures for assessing certain costs, with exemptions and limits. Unicorn Legislation “Unicorn legislation” is informal political slang for a proposal considered so unlikely to gain sufficient support or survive the legislative process that enactment is improbable. The phrase has no formal status in congressional procedure. Unilateral Action Unilateral action is action taken by one actor without agreement or approval from other actors whose participation might otherwise be sought. In U.S. government, the term often describes executive action taken without new legislation, though lawful authority is still required. United States Government The United States government is the system of federal institutions established by the Constitution and federal law. It includes the legislative, executive, and judicial branches, along with departments, agencies, and other bodies that carry out public responsibilities. State, tribal, territorial, and local governments are separate governmental entities with their own authorities. Unconstitutional Unconstitutional describes a law or government action that conflicts with the U.S. Constitution. A court may hold a provision unconstitutional in a case before it, subject to the scope of the judgment and any appeal. Unconstitutional Action An unconstitutional action is a government act, law, or policy that violates a requirement of the U.S. Constitution or an applicable state constitution. Courts may invalidate or limit such action when a proper case or controversy is before them, though the remedy depends on the claim and the court's authority. Undercover Operation An undercover operation is an investigation in which law enforcement officers or cooperating individuals conceal their identity or purpose to gather evidence or investigate suspected unlawful activity. Such operations must comply with applicable law and constitutional protections. Undersecretary An undersecretary is a senior official within a department who serves below the secretary and oversees a major policy area or set of operations. The exact responsibilities and appointment process depend on the department and the position's governing law. Unanimous Consent Agreement A unanimous consent agreement is a Senate agreement that sets the terms for considering a measure or conducting other business without requiring a formal vote on each term. It may set limits on debate, identify which amendments may be offered, or schedule a vote. Any senator may object to a request for unanimous consent before the agreement is reached.