Absentee BallotAn absentee ballot is a ballot a voter receives and returns without voting in person at a polling place on Election Day.
AbstentionAbstention is a court and legal-process term used to describe cases, court authority, legal procedure, judicial review, opinions, or public legal records.
Abuse of DiscretionAbuse of Discretion is a court and legal-process term used to describe cases, court authority, legal procedure, judicial review, opinions, or public legal records.
AccountabilityAccountability means that public officials and public institutions can be questioned, reviewed, corrected, or replaced when they misuse power or fail to perform their duties.
ActAn act is a bill that has completed the required legislative process and become law.
Action CodesAction Codes identify stages that condense detailed legislative action steps.
AdjournFormally end a meeting of a chamber or committee.
Adjourn Sine DieAdjourn Sine Die is a legislative term used to describe bills, votes, committees, debates, oversight, budgets, or lawmaking procedure.
Adjournment Sine DieAn adjournment that terminates an annual session of Congress. A “sine die” (“without day”) adjournment sets no day for reconvening.
AdjudicationAdjudication is an executive-branch and agency term used to describe presidential action, agency authority, public programs, rules, benefits, enforcement, or administrative records.
AdministrationAdministration is a federal department, agency, office, or public institution connected to the administration of federal law, services, records, or policy.
Administrative AgencyAdministrative Agency is a federal department, agency, office, or public institution connected to the administration of federal law, services, records, or policy.
Administrative HearingAdministrative Hearing is an executive-branch and agency term used to describe presidential action, agency authority, public programs, rules, benefits, enforcement, or administrative records.
Administrative LawAdministrative law is the body of law that governs how agencies make rules, decide applications, enforce programs, and review disputes.
Administrative ProcedureAdministrative Procedure is an executive-branch and agency term used to describe presidential action, agency authority, public programs, rules, benefits, enforcement, or administrative records.
Administrative Procedure ActAdministrative Procedure Act is an executive-branch and agency term used to describe presidential action, agency authority, public programs, rules, benefits, enforcement, or administrative records.
Administrative RecordAdministrative Record is a government term used to understand public authority, official process, rights, responsibilities, or records.
AdmissibilityAdmissibility is a court and legal-process term used to describe cases, court authority, legal procedure, judicial review, opinions, or public legal records.
AdoptAdopt is a legislative term used to describe bills, votes, committees, debates, oversight, budgets, or lawmaking procedure.
Adversarial SystemAdversarial System is a court and legal-process term used to describe cases, court authority, legal procedure, judicial review, opinions, or public legal records.
Advice And ConsentAdvice And Consent is the Senate’s constitutional role in reviewing and voting on many presidential nominations and treaties. It gives the Senate a formal check on parts of presidential power, especially appointments to courts, cabinet offices, ambassadorships, and other major offices.
AdvocacyAdvocacy is a government term used to understand public authority, official process, rights, responsibilities, or records.
AffirmedAffirmed means an appellate court has upheld the lower court’s decision.
Agency GuidanceAgency Guidance is a government term used to understand public authority, official process, rights, responsibilities, or records.
AgendaAgenda is a legislative term used to describe bills, votes, committees, debates, oversight, budgets, or lawmaking procedure.
Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and ExplosivesAlcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is an executive-branch and agency term used to describe presidential action, agency authority, public programs, rules, benefits, enforcement, or administrative records.
AmbassadorAmbassador is an executive-branch and agency term used to describe presidential action, agency authority, public programs, rules, benefits, enforcement, or administrative records.
AmbassadorshipAmbassadorship is an executive-branch and agency term used to describe presidential action, agency authority, public programs, rules, benefits, enforcement, or administrative records.
AmendAmend is a legislative term used to describe bills, votes, committees, debates, oversight, budgets, or lawmaking procedure.
Amend and PassAmend and Pass is a legislative term used to describe bills, votes, committees, debates, oversight, budgets, or lawmaking procedure.
AmendmentA proposed change to a pending text (e.g., a bill, resolution, another amendment, or a treaty [or an associated.
Amendment ExchangeAlso referred to as “amendments between the houses” or, colloquially, “ping-pong.” A method for reconciling differences.
Amendment in the Nature of a SubstituteAmendment that seeks to replace the entire text of an underlying measure.
AmendmentsAmendments 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.
Amicus BriefAmicus Brief is a court and legal-process term used to describe cases, court authority, legal procedure, judicial review, opinions, or public legal records.
Amicus CuriaeAmicus Curiae is a court and legal-process term used to describe cases, court authority, legal procedure, judicial review, opinions, or public legal records.
AmnestyAmnesty is an executive-branch and agency term used to describe presidential action, agency authority, public programs, rules, benefits, enforcement, or administrative records.
AnswerAnswer is a court and legal-process term used to describe cases, court authority, legal procedure, judicial review, opinions, or public legal records.
Anti-FederalistsAnti-Federalists were critics of the proposed Constitution who feared consolidated national power and demanded stronger protections for liberty.
AppealAppeal is a court and legal-process term used to describe cases, court authority, legal procedure, judicial review, opinions, or public legal records.
AppellantAppellant is a court and legal-process term used to describe cases, court authority, legal procedure, judicial review, opinions, or public legal records.
Appellate CourtAppellate Court is a court and legal-process term used to describe cases, court authority, legal procedure, judicial review, opinions, or public legal records.
Appellate JurisdictionAppellate Jurisdiction is a court and legal-process term used to describe cases, court authority, legal procedure, judicial review, opinions, or public legal records.
AppelleeAppellee is a court and legal-process term used to describe cases, court authority, legal procedure, judicial review, opinions, or public legal records.
AppointeeAppointee is an executive-branch and agency term used to describe presidential action, agency authority, public programs, rules, benefits, enforcement, or administrative records.
AppointmentAppointment is an executive-branch and agency term used to describe presidential action, agency authority, public programs, rules, benefits, enforcement, or administrative records.
ApportionmentApportionment is a legislative term used to describe bills, votes, committees, debates, oversight, budgets, or lawmaking procedure.
AppropriationAn appropriation is legal authority for the government to spend public money for a specific purpose.
Appropriation BillAn appropriation bill is legislation that provides funding for government agencies, programs, or activities.
AppropriationsLaws that provide money for federal programs and operations.
Arbitrary And Capricious StandardArbitrary And Capricious Standard is a court and legal-process term used to describe cases, court authority, legal procedure, judicial review, opinions, or public legal records.
Arrest WarrantArrest Warrant is a court and legal-process term used to describe cases, court authority, legal procedure, judicial review, opinions, or public legal records.
ArticleArticle 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.
Article III CourtArticle III Court is a federal court whose judges receive life tenure and salary protection under Article III of the Constitution.
Article VArticle V is the part of the Constitution that explains how amendments are proposed and ratified.
Articles of ConfederationThe first national governing framework of the United States before the Constitution.
Assistant SecretaryAssistant Secretary is an executive-branch and agency term used to describe presidential action, agency authority, public programs, rules, benefits, enforcement, or administrative records.
Associate JusticeAssociate Justice is a court and legal-process term used to describe cases, court authority, legal procedure, judicial review, opinions, or public legal records.
at-Large Seatat-Large Seat is a legislative term used to describe bills, votes, committees, debates, oversight, budgets, or lawmaking procedure.
AuditAudit is an executive-branch and agency term used to describe presidential action, agency authority, public programs, rules, benefits, enforcement, or administrative records.
AuthenticationAuthentication is a court and legal-process term used to describe cases, court authority, legal procedure, judicial review, opinions, or public legal records.
AuthorityAuthority 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.
AuthorizationAn authorization is legal permission for a government program, agency, or activity to exist or operate.
Authorization BillAuthorization Bill is a legislative term used to describe bills, votes, committees, debates, oversight, budgets, or lawmaking procedure.

BailiffBailiff is a court and legal-process term used to describe cases, court authority, legal procedure, judicial review, opinions, or public legal records.
BallotBallot is an elections and civic-participation term used to describe voting, ballots, registration, election administration, campaigns, or public participation.
Bankruptcy CourtA bankruptcy court is a specialized federal court that handles bankruptcy cases under federal bankruptcy law.
Bankruptcy JudgeBankruptcy Judge is a court and legal-process term used to describe cases, court authority, legal procedure, judicial review, opinions, or public legal records.
Bench TrialBench Trial is a court and legal-process term used to describe cases, court authority, legal procedure, judicial review, opinions, or public legal records.
Beyond a Reasonable DoubtBeyond a Reasonable Doubt is a court and legal-process term used to describe cases, court authority, legal procedure, judicial review, opinions, or public legal records.
BicameralLiterally, “two chambers;” in a legislative body, having two houses (as in the House of Representatives and the Senate.
BicameralismBicameralism is a legislative term used to describe bills, votes, committees, debates, oversight, budgets, or lawmaking procedure.
BillA bill is a proposed law introduced in a legislature for discussion, amendment, and possible vote.
Bill IntroductionBill Introduction is a legislative term used to describe bills, votes, committees, debates, oversight, budgets, or lawmaking procedure.
Bill Of AttainderA Bill Of Attainder is a law that punishes a specific person or group without a judicial trial. The Constitution forbids Congress and the states from passing bills of attainder because punishment is supposed to come through courts and due process, not legislative declaration.
Bill SummaryUpon introduction of a bill or resolution in the House or Senate, legislative analysts in the Congressional Research.
Binding PrecedentBinding Precedent is a court and legal-process term used to describe cases, court authority, legal procedure, judicial review, opinions, or public legal records.
BipartisanBipartisan is a government term used to understand public authority, official process, rights, responsibilities, or records.
BriefA brief is a written legal argument explaining the facts, law, and reasons a court should rule a certain way.
BudgetBudget is a budget and public-finance term used to describe revenue, spending, appropriations, debt, taxes, or government funding.
Budget AuthorityBudget Authority is a budget and public-finance term used to describe revenue, spending, appropriations, debt, taxes, or government funding.
Budget BillBudget Bill is a budget and public-finance term used to describe revenue, spending, appropriations, debt, taxes, or government funding.
Budget HearingBudget Hearing is a government term used to understand public authority, official process, rights, responsibilities, or records.
Budget ResolutionA measure (provided for by the Congressional Budget Act of 1974, as amended) that sets forth a congressional budget.
Burden of ProofBurden of Proof is a court and legal-process term used to describe cases, court authority, legal procedure, judicial review, opinions, or public legal records.
BureauBureau is a federal department, agency, office, or public institution connected to the administration of federal law, services, records, or policy.
BureaucracyBureaucracy 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.
By RequestA designation on a measure indicating that the member has introduced the measure on behalf of someone else (e.g., the.
Byrd RuleThe Byrd Rule is a Senate rule that limits what can be included in reconciliation legislation.

CabinetThe Cabinet is the group of top executive-branch department leaders and senior advisers who help the President carry out federal law and manage executive agencies.
Cabinet DepartmentCabinet Department is an executive-branch and agency term used to describe presidential action, agency authority, public programs, rules, benefits, enforcement, or administrative records.
CalendarLists of measures, motions, and matters that are (or soon will become) eligible for consideration on the chamber floor.
Calendar PlacementCalendar placement is the step of putting a measure on a chamber’s list for possible floor action.
CampaignCampaign is an elections and civic-participation term used to describe voting, ballots, registration, election administration, campaigns, or public participation.
Campaign FinanceCampaign Finance is a civic and constitutional law term used to understand government power, rights, or public process.
CandidateCandidate is an elections and civic-participation term used to describe voting, ballots, registration, election administration, campaigns, or public participation.
Career EmployeeCareer Employee is an executive-branch and agency term used to describe presidential action, agency authority, public programs, rules, benefits, enforcement, or administrative records.
Case ManagementCase Management is a court and legal-process term used to describe cases, court authority, legal procedure, judicial review, opinions, or public legal records.
Case or ControversyCase or Controversy is a court and legal-process term used to describe cases, court authority, legal procedure, judicial review, opinions, or public legal records.
CaucusCaucus is an elections and civic-participation term used to describe voting, ballots, registration, election administration, campaigns, or public participation.
CensureCensure is a legislative term used to describe bills, votes, committees, debates, oversight, budgets, or lawmaking procedure.
CensusCensus is a legislative term used to describe bills, votes, committees, debates, oversight, budgets, or lawmaking procedure.
Cert PetitionCert Petition is a court and legal-process term used to describe cases, court authority, legal procedure, judicial review, opinions, or public legal records.
Cert PoolCert Pool is a court and legal-process term used to describe cases, court authority, legal procedure, judicial review, opinions, or public legal records.
CertificationCertification is an elections and civic-participation term used to describe voting, ballots, registration, election administration, campaigns, or public participation.
CertiorariCertiorari is a procedure by which a higher court, especially the Supreme Court, agrees to review a lower-court decision.
Chain of CommandChain of Command is an executive-branch and agency term used to describe presidential action, agency authority, public programs, rules, benefits, enforcement, or administrative records.
ChallengerChallenger is an elections and civic-participation term used to describe voting, ballots, registration, election administration, campaigns, or public participation.
ChamberChamber is a legislative term used to describe bills, votes, committees, debates, oversight, budgets, or lawmaking procedure.
Chief JusticeChief Justice is a court and legal-process term used to describe cases, court authority, legal procedure, judicial review, opinions, or public legal records.
Chief of StaffChief of Staff is an executive-branch and agency term used to describe presidential action, agency authority, public programs, rules, benefits, enforcement, or administrative records.
CircuitCircuit is a court and legal-process term used to describe cases, court authority, legal procedure, judicial review, opinions, or public legal records.
Circuit CourtCircuit Court is a court and legal-process term used to describe cases, court authority, legal procedure, judicial review, opinions, or public legal records.
Circuit JudgeCircuit Judge is a court and legal-process term used to describe cases, court authority, legal procedure, judicial review, opinions, or public legal records.
Circumstantial EvidenceCircumstantial Evidence is a court and legal-process term used to describe cases, court authority, legal procedure, judicial review, opinions, or public legal records.
Civil CaseCivil Case is a court and legal-process term used to describe cases, court authority, legal procedure, judicial review, opinions, or public legal records.
Civil LibertiesCivil Liberties 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.
Civil LibertyCivil Liberty 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.
Civil RightCivil Right 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.
Civil RightsCivil Rights is a civic and constitutional law term used to understand government power, rights, or public process.
Civil ServiceCivil Service is a federal department, agency, office, or public institution connected to the administration of federal law, services, records, or policy.
Clear and Convincing EvidenceClear and Convincing Evidence is a court and legal-process term used to describe cases, court authority, legal procedure, judicial review, opinions, or public legal records.
Clear ErrorClear Error is a court and legal-process term used to describe cases, court authority, legal procedure, judicial review, opinions, or public legal records.
ClemencyClemency is an executive-branch and agency term used to describe presidential action, agency authority, public programs, rules, benefits, enforcement, or administrative records.
Clerk of CourtA clerk of court is the court official responsible for records, filings, dockets, and many administrative functions.
Clerk’s OfficeClerk’s Office is a court and legal-process term used to describe cases, court authority, legal procedure, judicial review, opinions, or public legal records.
Closed RuleA closed rule is a House floor rule that allows no floor amendments to a bill.
Closed SessionClosed Session is a government term used to understand public authority, official process, rights, responsibilities, or records.
ClotureThe method by which a supermajority (typically, three-fifths) of the Senate may agree to limit further debate and.
CM/ECFCM/ECF is the federal courts’ electronic filing and case-management system.
CoalitionCoalition is a government term used to understand public authority, official process, rights, responsibilities, or records.
CodificationCodification is a legislative term used to describe bills, votes, committees, debates, oversight, budgets, or lawmaking procedure.
Commander in ChiefCommander in Chief is an executive-branch and agency term used to describe presidential action, agency authority, public programs, rules, benefits, enforcement, or administrative records.
Commerce ClauseThe Commerce Clause gives Congress power to regulate commerce with foreign nations, among the states, and with Tribal nations. It is one of the most important sources of federal domestic regulatory authority because many economic activities cross state lines or affect national markets.
Commerce PowerCommerce Power is a legislative term used to describe bills, votes, committees, debates, oversight, budgets, or lawmaking procedure.
CommissionCommission is a court and legal-process term used to describe cases, court authority, legal procedure, judicial review, opinions, or public legal records.
CommitteeA committee is a smaller group within a legislative body that studies issues, holds hearings, reviews bills, and recommends what should move forward.
Committee / SubcommitteeA panel (or subpanel) with members from the House or Senate (or both) tasked with conducting hearings, examining and.
Committee ChairThe member of the majority party on a committee who has formal responsibility over the panel’s agenda and resources.
Committee MarkupThe committee stage where members debate, amend, and vote on whether to report a measure for further consideration.
Committee Of The WholeA parliamentary device designed to allow greater participation in floor consideration of measures. It can be understood.
Committee ReferralCommittee referral is the step where a bill is sent to the committee or committees responsible for its subject.
Committee ReportDocument accompanying a measure reported from a committee. It contains an explanation of the provisions of the measure.
Committee SubstituteCommittee Substitute is a legislative term used to describe bills, votes, committees, debates, oversight, budgets, or lawmaking procedure.
Committee-Related ActivityA committee or subcommittee may interact with a bill in a variety of ways. Bills may be referred to or discharged from.
CommunicationsWritten statements, messages or petitions sent to the Congress by the President of the United States, executive branch.
Companion MeasureIdentical or substantially similar measures introduced in the other chamber. Identical bills, procedurally-related.
Compensatory DamagesCompensatory Damages is a court and legal-process term used to describe cases, court authority, legal procedure, judicial review, opinions, or public legal records.
ComplaintA complaint is the document that starts many civil cases by stating the plaintiff’s claims and requested relief.
ComplianceCompliance is an executive-branch and agency term used to describe presidential action, agency authority, public programs, rules, benefits, enforcement, or administrative records.
Compliance ReviewCompliance Review is a government term used to understand public authority, official process, rights, responsibilities, or records.
ConcurConcur is a legislative term used to describe bills, votes, committees, debates, oversight, budgets, or lawmaking procedure.
ConcurrenceConcurrence is a court and legal-process term used to describe cases, court authority, legal procedure, judicial review, opinions, or public legal records.
Concurrent JurisdictionConcurrent Jurisdiction is a court and legal-process term used to describe cases, court authority, legal procedure, judicial review, opinions, or public legal records.
Concurrent PowerConcurrent Power 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.
Concurrent PowersConcurrent Powers 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.
Concurrent ResolutionA form of legislative measure used for the regulation of business within both chambers of Congress, not for proposing.
Concurring OpinionConcurring Opinion is a court and legal-process term used to describe cases, court authority, legal procedure, judicial review, opinions, or public legal records.
ConfereesMembers of the House and Senate appointed to a conference committee. Also sometimes called “managers.”.
ConferenceConference is a court and legal-process term used to describe cases, court authority, legal procedure, judicial review, opinions, or public legal records.
Conference CommitteeA conference committee is a temporary House-Senate committee that works out differences between two versions of a bill.
Conference ReportThe document presenting an agreement reached by a joint temporary committee (a conference committee) appointed to.
ConfirmationConfirmation is a court and legal-process term used to describe cases, court authority, legal procedure, judicial review, opinions, or public legal records.
Confirmation HearingConfirmation Hearing is a government term used to understand public authority, official process, rights, responsibilities, or records.
Conflict of InterestConflict of Interest is a government term used to understand public authority, official process, rights, responsibilities, or records.
Congressional RecordThe Congressional Record is the official record of the proceedings and debates of the U.S. Congress. For every day.
Congressional ReportCongressional reports originate from congressional committees and deal with proposed legislation or issues under.
Congressional Review ActThe Congressional Review Act is a law that lets Congress review and potentially overturn recently issued federal agency rules through a joint resolution of disapproval.
ConstituencyConstituency is a legislative term used to describe bills, votes, committees, debates, oversight, budgets, or lawmaking procedure.
Constituency ServiceConstituency Service is a government term used to understand public authority, official process, rights, responsibilities, or records.
ConstituentConstituent is a legislative term used to describe bills, votes, committees, debates, oversight, budgets, or lawmaking procedure.
Constitution AnnotatedA Library of Congress resource that provides legal analysis and interpretation of the United States Constitution.
ConstitutionalConstitutional 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.
Constitutional AnnotationAn explanatory note or analysis that connects constitutional text to court decisions, historical interpretation, and.
Constitutional GovernmentConstitutional Government 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.
ConstitutionalityConstitutionality 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.
ContemptContempt is a court and legal-process term used to describe cases, court authority, legal procedure, judicial review, opinions, or public legal records.
Contempt of CourtContempt of Court is a court and legal-process term used to describe cases, court authority, legal procedure, judicial review, opinions, or public legal records.
ContinuanceContinuance is a court and legal-process term used to describe cases, court authority, legal procedure, judicial review, opinions, or public legal records.
Continuing ResolutionA continuing resolution is a temporary funding law that lets government operations continue when regular appropriation bills have not been enacted.
ContractContract is an executive-branch and agency term used to describe presidential action, agency authority, public programs, rules, benefits, enforcement, or administrative records.
Controlling OpinionControlling Opinion is a court and legal-process term used to describe cases, court authority, legal procedure, judicial review, opinions, or public legal records.
ConveneConvene is a legislative term used to describe bills, votes, committees, debates, oversight, budgets, or lawmaking procedure.
CosponsorRepresentatives or Senators who formally sign on to support a measure. Only the first-named Member is the sponsor, all.
CosponsorshipCosponsorship is a legislative term used to describe bills, votes, committees, debates, oversight, budgets, or lawmaking procedure.
CounterclaimCounterclaim is a court and legal-process term used to describe cases, court authority, legal procedure, judicial review, opinions, or public legal records.
Court of AppealsA court of appeals is a federal appellate court that reviews district-court and agency decisions for legal error.
Criminal CaseCriminal Case is a court and legal-process term used to describe cases, court authority, legal procedure, judicial review, opinions, or public legal records.
Criminal ProcedureCriminal Procedure is a civic and constitutional law term used to understand government power, rights, or public process.
CrossclaimCrossclaim is a court and legal-process term used to describe cases, court authority, legal procedure, judicial review, opinions, or public legal records.
CrossoverCrossover is a legislative term used to describe bills, votes, committees, debates, oversight, budgets, or lawmaking procedure.
Cruel and Unusual PunishmentCruel and Unusual Punishment 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.

Daily DigestA section of the Congressional Record summarizing the day’s floor and committee actions in each chamber, with page.
DamagesDamages is a court and legal-process term used to describe cases, court authority, legal procedure, judicial review, opinions, or public legal records.
De Novo ReviewDe Novo Review is a court and legal-process term used to describe cases, court authority, legal procedure, judicial review, opinions, or public legal records.
DebateDebate is an elections and civic-participation term used to describe voting, ballots, registration, election administration, campaigns, or public participation.
DebtAccumulated borrowing that remains unpaid.
Debt CeilingA statutory limit on federal borrowing authority.
Declaratory JudgmentDeclaratory Judgment is a court and legal-process term used to describe cases, court authority, legal procedure, judicial review, opinions, or public legal records.
DecreeDecree is a court and legal-process term used to describe cases, court authority, legal procedure, judicial review, opinions, or public legal records.
Default JudgmentDefault Judgment is a court and legal-process term used to describe cases, court authority, legal procedure, judicial review, opinions, or public legal records.
DefeatDefeat is a legislative term used to describe bills, votes, committees, debates, oversight, budgets, or lawmaking procedure.
DefendantA defendant is the person, official, organization, or government body being sued or charged in a case.
Defense CounselDefense Counsel is a court and legal-process term used to describe cases, court authority, legal procedure, judicial review, opinions, or public legal records.
DeficitThe yearly gap when federal spending is greater than federal revenue.
Delegated PowerDelegated Power is a government term used to understand public authority, official process, rights, responsibilities, or records.
Delegation of AuthorityDelegation of Authority is an executive-branch and agency term used to describe presidential action, agency authority, public programs, rules, benefits, enforcement, or administrative records.
DeliberationDeliberation is a court and legal-process term used to describe cases, court authority, legal procedure, judicial review, opinions, or public legal records.
DemocracyDemocracy 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.
Denial of CertiorariDenial of Certiorari is a court and legal-process term used to describe cases, court authority, legal procedure, judicial review, opinions, or public legal records.
DepartmentDepartment is an executive-branch and agency term used to describe presidential action, agency authority, public programs, rules, benefits, enforcement, or administrative records.
Department HeadDepartment Head is an executive-branch and agency term used to describe presidential action, agency authority, public programs, rules, benefits, enforcement, or administrative records.
DepositionDeposition is a court and legal-process term used to describe cases, court authority, legal procedure, judicial review, opinions, or public legal records.
Deputy SecretaryDeputy Secretary is an executive-branch and agency term used to describe presidential action, agency authority, public programs, rules, benefits, enforcement, or administrative records.
DictaDicta is a court and legal-process term used to describe cases, court authority, legal procedure, judicial review, opinions, or public legal records.
DiplomacyDiplomacy is an executive-branch and agency term used to describe presidential action, agency authority, public programs, rules, benefits, enforcement, or administrative records.
Diplomatic RecognitionDiplomatic Recognition is an executive-branch and agency term used to describe presidential action, agency authority, public programs, rules, benefits, enforcement, or administrative records.
Direct EvidenceDirect Evidence is a court and legal-process term used to describe cases, court authority, legal procedure, judicial review, opinions, or public legal records.
DirectorateDirectorate is an executive-branch and agency term used to describe presidential action, agency authority, public programs, rules, benefits, enforcement, or administrative records.
Discharge PetitionDischarge Petition is a legislative term used to describe bills, votes, committees, debates, oversight, budgets, or lawmaking procedure.
DisclosureDisclosure is a government term used to understand public authority, official process, rights, responsibilities, or records.
DiscoveryDiscovery is the pretrial process where parties exchange information, documents, testimony, and evidence relevant to the case.
Discretionary SpendingFederal spending decided through the annual appropriations process.
DismissalDismissal is a court and legal-process term used to describe cases, court authority, legal procedure, judicial review, opinions, or public legal records.
DisqualificationDisqualification is a court and legal-process term used to describe cases, court authority, legal procedure, judicial review, opinions, or public legal records.
DissentDissent is a court and legal-process term used to describe cases, court authority, legal procedure, judicial review, opinions, or public legal records.
Dissenting OpinionDissenting Opinion is a court and legal-process term used to describe cases, court authority, legal procedure, judicial review, opinions, or public legal records.
DivisionDivision is an executive-branch and agency term used to describe presidential action, agency authority, public programs, rules, benefits, enforcement, or administrative records.
Division VoteDivision Vote is a legislative term used to describe bills, votes, committees, debates, oversight, budgets, or lawmaking procedure.
DocketDocket is a court and legal-process term used to describe cases, court authority, legal procedure, judicial review, opinions, or public legal records.
Domestic PolicyDomestic Policy is an executive-branch and agency term used to describe presidential action, agency authority, public programs, rules, benefits, enforcement, or administrative records.
Double JeopardyDouble Jeopardy 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.
Due ProcessDue process means government must follow fair legal procedures before depriving a person of life, liberty, or property.
Due Process And Equal ProtectionDue process and equal protection are constitutional limits on government power. Due process focuses on lawful authority and fair procedure; equal protection focuses on unjustified unequal treatment by government.
Due Process of LawDue Process of Law is a court and legal-process term used to describe cases, court authority, legal procedure, judicial review, opinions, or public legal records.

Early VotingEarly Voting is an elections and civic-participation term used to describe voting, ballots, registration, election administration, campaigns, or public participation.
Eighth AmendmentEighth Amendment 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.
ElectorElector is an elections and civic-participation term used to describe voting, ballots, registration, election administration, campaigns, or public participation.
Electoral CollegeElectoral College is an elections and civic-participation term used to describe voting, ballots, registration, election administration, campaigns, or public participation.
Emergency DeclarationEmergency Declaration is an executive-branch and agency term used to describe presidential action, agency authority, public programs, rules, benefits, enforcement, or administrative records.
En BancEn Banc is a court and legal-process term used to describe cases, court authority, legal procedure, judicial review, opinions, or public legal records.
En Banc ReviewEn Banc Review is a court and legal-process term used to describe cases, court authority, legal procedure, judicial review, opinions, or public legal records.
En Bloc“All together.” Sometimes a committee or congressional chamber will agree to act concurrently on multiple measures.
Enabling StatuteEnabling Statute is an executive-branch and agency term used to describe presidential action, agency authority, public programs, rules, benefits, enforcement, or administrative records.
EnactedEnacted is a legislative term used to describe bills, votes, committees, debates, oversight, budgets, or lawmaking procedure.
EnactmentEnactment is a legislative term used to describe bills, votes, committees, debates, oversight, budgets, or lawmaking procedure.
EnforcementEnforcement is an executive-branch and agency term used to describe presidential action, agency authority, public programs, rules, benefits, enforcement, or administrative records.
Enforcement ActionEnforcement Action is an executive-branch and agency term used to describe presidential action, agency authority, public programs, rules, benefits, enforcement, or administrative records.
Enforcement AgencyEnforcement Agency is a federal department, agency, office, or public institution connected to the administration of federal law, services, records, or policy.
Enforcement DiscretionEnforcement Discretion is a government term used to understand public authority, official process, rights, responsibilities, or records.
Engrossed BillEngrossed Bill is a legislative term used to describe bills, votes, committees, debates, oversight, budgets, or lawmaking procedure.
Engrossed MeasureOfficial copy of a measure as passed by one chamber, including the text as amended by floor action.
Enrolled BillEnrolled Bill is a legislative term used to describe bills, votes, committees, debates, oversight, budgets, or lawmaking procedure.
Enrolled MeasureFinal official copy of a measure as passed in identical form by both chambers and then printed on parchment for.
Enumerated PowerEnumerated Power 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.
Enumerated PowersEnumerated Powers are powers specifically listed in the Constitution. For Congress, the main list is in Article I, Section 8, including taxing, borrowing, commerce, war, courts, post offices, patents, copyrights, and the power to pass necessary and proper laws to carry those powers into effect.
EnvoyEnvoy is an executive-branch and agency term used to describe presidential action, agency authority, public programs, rules, benefits, enforcement, or administrative records.
Equal ProtectionEqual protection means government cannot treat similarly situated people differently without a constitutionally sufficient reason.
Equal Protection ClauseThe Equal Protection Clause requires states to provide equal protection of the laws and is central to civil-rights and discrimination cases.
Equal RightsEqual Rights 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.
ErrataErrata are lists of errors in congressional publications. The corrections are printed on sheets, or pages. The errata.
Establishment ClauseEstablishment Clause 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.
EthicsEthics is a government term used to understand public authority, official process, rights, responsibilities, or records.
Ex Post Facto LawAn Ex Post Facto Law retroactively makes conduct criminal or increases criminal punishment after the conduct occurred. The Constitution forbids ex post facto criminal laws because people must be able to know the law before they can be punished for violating it.
Exclusionary RuleExclusionary Rule is a court and legal-process term used to describe cases, court authority, legal procedure, judicial review, opinions, or public legal records.
Exclusive JurisdictionExclusive Jurisdiction is a court and legal-process term used to describe cases, court authority, legal procedure, judicial review, opinions, or public legal records.
Executive AgencyExecutive Agency is a federal department, agency, office, or public institution connected to the administration of federal law, services, records, or policy.
Executive BranchExecutive Branch is an executive-branch and agency term used to describe presidential action, agency authority, public programs, rules, benefits, enforcement, or administrative records.
Executive BusinessNominations and treaties submitted by the president to the Senate for its “Advice and Consent;” the Senate treats such.
Executive CalendarThe list of treaties and nominations that are (or soon will become) eligible for consideration by the full Senate.
Executive CommunicationWritten statement or petition presented to Congress by the Executive Branch or other organization that may affect.
Executive DepartmentExecutive Department is an executive-branch and agency term used to describe presidential action, agency authority, public programs, rules, benefits, enforcement, or administrative records.
Executive OrderA presidential directive to executive-branch agencies, usually published in the Federal Register.
Executive PowerExecutive Power is a government term used to understand public authority, official process, rights, responsibilities, or records.
Executive PrivilegeExecutive Privilege is an executive-branch and agency term used to describe presidential action, agency authority, public programs, rules, benefits, enforcement, or administrative records.
Executive ReportA written committee report accompanying a matter of executive business (treaty or nomination) reported by the.
Executive SessionA period under Senate rules during which executive business is considered on the floor. (Legislation is considered only.
ExpulsionExpulsion is a legislative term used to describe bills, votes, committees, debates, oversight, budgets, or lawmaking procedure.
ExpungementExpungement is a court and legal-process term used to describe cases, court authority, legal procedure, judicial review, opinions, or public legal records.

Federal BureaucracyFederal Bureaucracy is an executive-branch and agency term used to describe presidential action, agency authority, public programs, rules, benefits, enforcement, or administrative records.
Federal CourtA federal court is a court created under federal authority to decide cases involving federal law, the Constitution, or other matters Congress assigns to federal courts.
Federal Depository LibraryLibraries where congressional and other federal publications are available for free public use. Locate a depository.
Federal FundingFederal Funding is an executive-branch and agency term used to describe presidential action, agency authority, public programs, rules, benefits, enforcement, or administrative records.
Federal GovernmentFederal Government 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.
Federal JudgeFederal Judge is a court and legal-process term used to describe cases, court authority, legal procedure, judicial review, opinions, or public legal records.
Federal RegisterThe Federal Register is the official daily publication for federal rules, proposed rules, notices, and presidential documents.
Federal Register NoticeFederal Register Notice is a government term used to understand public authority, official process, rights, responsibilities, or records.
Federal RepublicA system where power is divided between national and state governments and the people govern through elected representatives.
Federal Rules of Appellate ProcedureThe Federal Rules of Appellate Procedure govern appeals in the federal courts of appeals.
Federal Rules of Civil ProcedureThe Federal Rules of Civil Procedure govern most civil litigation in federal district courts.
Federal Rules of Criminal ProcedureThe Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure govern criminal proceedings in federal courts.
Federal Rules of EvidenceThe Federal Rules of Evidence govern what information may be admitted and how evidence is handled in federal court.
Federal WorkforceFederal Workforce is an executive-branch and agency term used to describe presidential action, agency authority, public programs, rules, benefits, enforcement, or administrative records.
FederalismThe division of power between the national government and state governments.
FederalistsFederalists supported ratification of the Constitution and argued that the country needed a stronger but limited national government.
Fifth AmendmentFifth Amendment 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.
FilibusterA filibuster is a Senate tactic that uses extended debate or procedural delay to slow or block action.
FilingFiling is a court and legal-process term used to describe cases, court authority, legal procedure, judicial review, opinions, or public legal records.
Final RuleFinal Rule is an executive-branch and agency term used to describe presidential action, agency authority, public programs, rules, benefits, enforcement, or administrative records.
First AmendmentFirst Amendment is a civic and constitutional law term used to understand government power, rights, or public process.
Fiscal YearFiscal Year is a legislative term used to describe bills, votes, committees, debates, oversight, budgets, or lawmaking procedure.
FloorFloor is a legislative term used to describe bills, votes, committees, debates, oversight, budgets, or lawmaking procedure.
Floor ActionFloor Action is a legislative term used to describe bills, votes, committees, debates, oversight, budgets, or lawmaking procedure.
Floor DebateFloor Debate is a legislative term used to describe bills, votes, committees, debates, oversight, budgets, or lawmaking procedure.
Floor ManagerFloor Manager is a legislative term used to describe bills, votes, committees, debates, oversight, budgets, or lawmaking procedure.
Floor VoteFloor Vote is a legislative term used to describe bills, votes, committees, debates, oversight, budgets, or lawmaking procedure.
FOIAFOIA stands for the Freedom of Information Act, the federal law that lets the public request many agency records.
Foreign PolicyForeign Policy is an executive-branch and agency term used to describe presidential action, agency authority, public programs, rules, benefits, enforcement, or administrative records.
Formal RulemakingFormal Rulemaking is an executive-branch and agency term used to describe presidential action, agency authority, public programs, rules, benefits, enforcement, or administrative records.
Fourteenth AmendmentFourteenth Amendment 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.
Fourth AmendmentFourth Amendment 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.
Free ExerciseFree Exercise 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.
Free PressFree Press 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.
Free SpeechFree Speech is a civic and constitutional law term used to understand government power, rights, or public process.
Freedom of AssemblyFreedom of Assembly 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.
Freedom of Information ActThe Freedom of Information Act gives the public a process to request records from federal agencies, subject to exemptions.
Freedom of PetitionFreedom of Petition 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.
Freedom of ReligionFreedom of Religion 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.
Freedom of the PressFreedom of the Press 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.
Full Faith and Credit ClauseFull Faith and Credit Clause 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.

General CounselGeneral Counsel is an executive-branch and agency term used to describe presidential action, agency authority, public programs, rules, benefits, enforcement, or administrative records.
General ElectionGeneral Election is an elections and civic-participation term used to describe voting, ballots, registration, election administration, campaigns, or public participation.
GermaneGermane is a legislative term used to describe bills, votes, committees, debates, oversight, budgets, or lawmaking procedure.
GermanenessThe requirement that an amendment be closely related—in terms of the precise subject or purpose, for example—to the.
GerrymanderingGerrymandering is a legislative term used to describe bills, votes, committees, debates, oversight, budgets, or lawmaking procedure.
GovernanceGovernance is a government term used to understand public authority, official process, rights, responsibilities, or records.
Government Research GuideA curated guide that directs users to reliable official or library-based resources for learning about government, law.
Government ShutdownA funding lapse that can stop or limit federal operations when appropriations are not enacted.
Grand JuryGrand Jury is a court and legal-process term used to describe cases, court authority, legal procedure, judicial review, opinions, or public legal records.
GrantGrant is an executive-branch and agency term used to describe presidential action, agency authority, public programs, rules, benefits, enforcement, or administrative records.
Grant of CertiorariGrant of Certiorari is a court and legal-process term used to describe cases, court authority, legal procedure, judicial review, opinions, or public legal records.
Grant ProgramGrant Program is an executive-branch and agency term used to describe presidential action, agency authority, public programs, rules, benefits, enforcement, or administrative records.
GuidanceGuidance is an executive-branch and agency term used to describe presidential action, agency authority, public programs, rules, benefits, enforcement, or administrative records.
Guide to Law OnlineA Library of Congress research guide that points users to legal and governmental resources, including state and.

Habeas CorpusHabeas Corpus is a legal procedure that lets a person challenge unlawful detention in court. The Constitution allows suspension of habeas corpus only in narrow circumstances involving rebellion or invasion when public safety may require it.
Harmless ErrorHarmless Error is a court and legal-process term used to describe cases, court authority, legal procedure, judicial review, opinions, or public legal records.
HearingA formal meeting of a congressional committee (or subcommittee) to gather information from witnesses for use in its.
Hearing OfficerHearing Officer is an executive-branch and agency term used to describe presidential action, agency authority, public programs, rules, benefits, enforcement, or administrative records.
HearsayHearsay is a court and legal-process term used to describe cases, court authority, legal procedure, judicial review, opinions, or public legal records.
History of BillsHistory of Bills is a section published within the Congressional Record Index. History of Bills documents legislative.
HoldA request by a Senator to his or her party leader to delay floor action on a measure (e.g., bill) or matter (e.g..
HoldingA holding is the part of a court decision that states the legal rule necessary to resolve the case.
HopperA wooden box on the House floor into which measures are dropped for formal introduction.
House MemberHouse Member is a legislative term used to describe bills, votes, committees, debates, oversight, budgets, or lawmaking procedure.
House Rules CommitteeA committee in the House that, among other things, is responsible for reporting out “special rules”—simple resolutions.

Identical BillA bill that is word-for-word identical to another bill. Bills are characterized as identical to each other at the.
IdeologyIdeology is a government term used to understand public authority, official process, rights, responsibilities, or records.
ImpeachmentImpeachment is a legislative term used to describe bills, votes, committees, debates, oversight, budgets, or lawmaking procedure.
ImplementationImplementation is a government term used to understand public authority, official process, rights, responsibilities, or records.
Implied PowerImplied Power 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.
Implied PowersImplied Powers are powers not stated word-for-word but reasonably connected to carrying out a power the Constitution does grant. Congress uses implied powers when it creates practical legal tools, agencies, procedures, or programs needed to execute its enumerated powers.
in Forma Pauperisin Forma Pauperis is a court and legal-process term used to describe cases, court authority, legal procedure, judicial review, opinions, or public legal records.
Inaugural AddressInaugural Address is an executive-branch and agency term used to describe presidential action, agency authority, public programs, rules, benefits, enforcement, or administrative records.
InaugurationInauguration is an executive-branch and agency term used to describe presidential action, agency authority, public programs, rules, benefits, enforcement, or administrative records.
IncorporationIncorporation 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.
Incorporation DoctrineIncorporation Doctrine is a civic and constitutional law term used to understand government power, rights, or public process.
IncumbentIncumbent is an elections and civic-participation term used to describe voting, ballots, registration, election administration, campaigns, or public participation.
Independent AgencyIndependent Agency is a federal department, agency, office, or public institution connected to the administration of federal law, services, records, or policy.
IndictmentIndictment is a court and legal-process term used to describe cases, court authority, legal procedure, judicial review, opinions, or public legal records.
Inferior CourtInferior Court is a court and legal-process term used to describe cases, court authority, legal procedure, judicial review, opinions, or public legal records.
Informal RulemakingInformal Rulemaking is an executive-branch and agency term used to describe presidential action, agency authority, public programs, rules, benefits, enforcement, or administrative records.
InformationInformation is a court and legal-process term used to describe cases, court authority, legal procedure, judicial review, opinions, or public legal records.
Inherent PowersInherent Powers 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.
InitiativeInitiative is an elections and civic-participation term used to describe voting, ballots, registration, election administration, campaigns, or public participation.
InjunctionInjunction is a court and legal-process term used to describe cases, court authority, legal procedure, judicial review, opinions, or public legal records.
InspectionInspection is an executive-branch and agency term used to describe presidential action, agency authority, public programs, rules, benefits, enforcement, or administrative records.
Inspector GeneralInspector General is an executive-branch and agency term used to describe presidential action, agency authority, public programs, rules, benefits, enforcement, or administrative records.
InteragencyInteragency is an executive-branch and agency term used to describe presidential action, agency authority, public programs, rules, benefits, enforcement, or administrative records.
Interest GroupInterest Group is a government term used to understand public authority, official process, rights, responsibilities, or records.
Interim Final RuleInterim Final Rule is an executive-branch and agency term used to describe presidential action, agency authority, public programs, rules, benefits, enforcement, or administrative records.
Intermediate ScrutinyIntermediate Scrutiny is a government term used to understand public authority, official process, rights, responsibilities, or records.
International AgreementLegal agreements the United States enters into with other States or international organizations; they may take the form.
InterrogatoriesInterrogatories is a court and legal-process term used to describe cases, court authority, legal procedure, judicial review, opinions, or public legal records.
IntroduceIntroduce is a legislative term used to describe bills, votes, committees, debates, oversight, budgets, or lawmaking procedure.
InvestigationInvestigation is a legislative term used to describe bills, votes, committees, debates, oversight, budgets, or lawmaking procedure.

Joint CommitteeJoint Committee is a legislative term used to describe bills, votes, committees, debates, oversight, budgets, or lawmaking procedure.
Joint Explanatory StatementStatement appended to a conference report explaining the conference agreement and the intent of the conferees.
Joint ResolutionA form of legislative measure used to propose changes in law, or to propose an amendment to the U.S. Constitution..
JournalThe constitutionally-mandated record of certain House and Senate actions, including motions offered, votes taken, and.
JudgeJudge is a court and legal-process term used to describe cases, court authority, legal procedure, judicial review, opinions, or public legal records.
JudgmentJudgment is a court and legal-process term used to describe cases, court authority, legal procedure, judicial review, opinions, or public legal records.
Judicial ActivismJudicial Activism is a government term used to understand public authority, official process, rights, responsibilities, or records.
Judicial AppointmentJudicial Appointment is a court and legal-process term used to describe cases, court authority, legal procedure, judicial review, opinions, or public legal records.
Judicial ConferenceJudicial Conference is a court and legal-process term used to describe cases, court authority, legal procedure, judicial review, opinions, or public legal records.
Judicial PowerJudicial Power is a government term used to understand public authority, official process, rights, responsibilities, or records.
Judicial RestraintJudicial Restraint is a government term used to understand public authority, official process, rights, responsibilities, or records.
Judicial VacancyJudicial Vacancy is a court and legal-process term used to describe cases, court authority, legal procedure, judicial review, opinions, or public legal records.
JurisdictionJurisdiction is legal authority to hear a case, enforce a rule, or make a decision over a person, place, subject, or dispute.
JuryJury is a court and legal-process term used to describe cases, court authority, legal procedure, judicial review, opinions, or public legal records.
Jury TrialJury Trial is a court and legal-process term used to describe cases, court authority, legal procedure, judicial review, opinions, or public legal records.
JusticeJustice is a court and legal-process term used to describe cases, court authority, legal procedure, judicial review, opinions, or public legal records.
Justiciable ControversyJusticiable Controversy is a court and legal-process term used to describe cases, court authority, legal procedure, judicial review, opinions, or public legal records.

KillKill is a legislative term used to describe bills, votes, committees, debates, oversight, budgets, or lawmaking procedure.

Law ClerkLaw Clerk is a court and legal-process term used to describe cases, court authority, legal procedure, judicial review, opinions, or public legal records.
Legal ReasoningLegal Reasoning is a court and legal-process term used to describe cases, court authority, legal procedure, judicial review, opinions, or public legal records.
Legislative Action StepsEach chamber produces detailed, chamber-specific legislative action steps. Each step has a number code. U.S. Congress.
Legislative BranchLegislative Branch is a legislative term used to describe bills, votes, committees, debates, oversight, budgets, or lawmaking procedure.
Legislative CounselLegislative counsel offices help turn policy ideas into formal bill text.
Legislative InterestA label used by committees to identify bills that were not formally referred to the committee but which the committee.
Legislative PowerLegislative Power is a government term used to understand public authority, official process, rights, responsibilities, or records.
Legislative ProcessThe steps by which a proposal is introduced, considered, amended, passed by Congress, and, when approved, becomes law.
Legislative Subject TermThe legislative subject term vocabulary consists of approximately 1,000 subjects, geographic entities, and organization.
LegitimacyLegitimacy 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.
Letter of InquiryLetter of Inquiry is a legislative term used to describe bills, votes, committees, debates, oversight, budgets, or lawmaking procedure.
Library of CongressLibrary of Congress is a federal department, agency, office, or public institution connected to the administration of federal law, services, records, or policy.
Limited GovernmentLimited government means officials have only the powers granted by law and are constrained by constitutional rules and rights.
LIV – Legislative Indexing VocabularyThe Legislative Indexing Vocabulary (LIV) was the Congressional Research Service (CRS) thesaurus for subject searching.
LobbyingLobbying is a government term used to understand public authority, official process, rights, responsibilities, or records.
LobbyistLobbyist is a government term used to understand public authority, official process, rights, responsibilities, or records.
Local GovernmentLocal Government 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.
Local RulesLocal Rules is a court and legal-process term used to describe cases, court authority, legal procedure, judicial review, opinions, or public legal records.
Loper Bright Enterprises v. RaimondoLoper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo is a court and legal-process term used to describe cases, court authority, legal procedure, judicial review, opinions, or public legal records.

Magistrate JudgeMagistrate Judge is a court and legal-process term used to describe cases, court authority, legal procedure, judicial review, opinions, or public legal records.
Mail BallotMail Ballot is an elections and civic-participation term used to describe voting, ballots, registration, election administration, campaigns, or public participation.
MajorityMajority is a court and legal-process term used to describe cases, court authority, legal procedure, judicial review, opinions, or public legal records.
Majority LeaderMajority Leader is a legislative term used to describe bills, votes, committees, debates, oversight, budgets, or lawmaking procedure.
Majority OpinionMajority Opinion is a court and legal-process term used to describe cases, court authority, legal procedure, judicial review, opinions, or public legal records.
Majority PartyMajority Party is a government term used to understand public authority, official process, rights, responsibilities, or records.
Majority RuleMajority Rule is a court and legal-process term used to describe cases, court authority, legal procedure, judicial review, opinions, or public legal records.
Majority VoteMajority Vote is an elections and civic-participation term used to describe voting, ballots, registration, election administration, campaigns, or public participation.
Majority WhipMajority Whip is a legislative term used to describe bills, votes, committees, debates, oversight, budgets, or lawmaking procedure.
MandamusMandamus is a court and legal-process term used to describe cases, court authority, legal procedure, judicial review, opinions, or public legal records.
MandateMandate is a court and legal-process term used to describe cases, court authority, legal procedure, judicial review, opinions, or public legal records.
Mandatory SpendingFederal spending controlled by eligibility rules rather than annual appropriations.
MarkupMarkup is the committee process of debating, amending, and voting on the text of a bill or resolution.
Markup SessionMarkup Session is a government term used to understand public authority, official process, rights, responsibilities, or records.
MeasureA legislative vehicle: a bill, joint resolution, concurrent resolution, or simple resolution.
Member of CongressMember of Congress is a legislative term used to describe bills, votes, committees, debates, oversight, budgets, or lawmaking procedure.
MemorialWritten statement or petition presented to Congress by the legislature of a state or territory that may affect the.
Merit SystemMerit System is a government term used to understand public authority, official process, rights, responsibilities, or records.
Merits DocketMerits Docket is a court and legal-process term used to describe cases, court authority, legal procedure, judicial review, opinions, or public legal records.
Midterm ElectionMidterm Election is a legislative term used to describe bills, votes, committees, debates, oversight, budgets, or lawmaking procedure.
Minority LeaderMinority Leader is a legislative term used to describe bills, votes, committees, debates, oversight, budgets, or lawmaking procedure.
Minority PartyMinority Party is a government term used to understand public authority, official process, rights, responsibilities, or records.
Minority WhipMinority Whip is a legislative term used to describe bills, votes, committees, debates, oversight, budgets, or lawmaking procedure.
MootnessMootness means a court may no longer decide a case because the live dispute has ended or the requested relief can no longer matter.
Mootness DoctrineMootness Doctrine is a court and legal-process term used to describe cases, court authority, legal procedure, judicial review, opinions, or public legal records.
MotionA motion is a formal request asking a court or legislative body to take a particular action.
Motion to Proceed to ConsiderA motion in the Senate, which, if agreed to by a majority of those present and voting, brings a measure (e.g., bill) or.
Motion to RecommitIn the House, a motion offered by a member of the minority party at the end of floor consideration that, if adopted in.
Motion to TableA non-debatable motion in the House and Senate (and in their committees) by which a simple majority may agree to.

National DebtThe total amount the federal government has borrowed and not yet repaid.
National EmergencyNational Emergency is an executive-branch and agency term used to describe presidential action, agency authority, public programs, rules, benefits, enforcement, or administrative records.
National GovernmentNational Government 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.
National SecurityNational Security is an executive-branch and agency term used to describe presidential action, agency authority, public programs, rules, benefits, enforcement, or administrative records.
National Security AdvisorNational Security Advisor is an executive-branch and agency term used to describe presidential action, agency authority, public programs, rules, benefits, enforcement, or administrative records.
Natural RightsNatural Rights 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.
Necessary And Proper ClauseThe Necessary And Proper Clause allows Congress to pass laws needed to carry out its constitutional powers. It is sometimes called the Elastic Clause because it gives Congress practical flexibility, but it does not give Congress unlimited authority outside the Constitution.
Negotiated RulemakingNegotiated Rulemaking is an executive-branch and agency term used to describe presidential action, agency authority, public programs, rules, benefits, enforcement, or administrative records.
NegotiationNegotiation is an executive-branch and agency term used to describe presidential action, agency authority, public programs, rules, benefits, enforcement, or administrative records.
NominationThe president’s formal submission of an individual’s name, and the federal government position to which he or she is.
Nondelegation DoctrineThe nondelegation doctrine is the principle that Congress may not hand off its legislative power without giving an agency a meaningful standard to follow.
NonpartisanNonpartisan is a government term used to understand public authority, official process, rights, responsibilities, or records.
NotesLegislative analysts in the Congressional Research Service of the Library of Congress may supplement a bill record with.
Notice of AppealNotice of Appeal is a court and legal-process term used to describe cases, court authority, legal procedure, judicial review, opinions, or public legal records.
Notice of Proposed RulemakingA notice of proposed rulemaking is an agency announcement that proposes a rule and invites public comment before a final decision.

OfficeOffice is a federal department, agency, office, or public institution connected to the administration of federal law, services, records, or policy.
Official Government ResourceA resource published or maintained by a government office, public institution, or official program that users can rely.
Official TitleA bill’s sponsor designates an official title which may be amended in the course of legislative action. Bills may also.
Omnibus BillOmnibus Bill is a legislative term used to describe bills, votes, committees, debates, oversight, budgets, or lawmaking procedure.
Open GovernmentOpen Government is a government term used to understand public authority, official process, rights, responsibilities, or records.
Open RuleAn open rule is a House floor rule that allows any germane amendment to be offered during floor consideration.
Open SessionOpen Session is a government term used to understand public authority, official process, rights, responsibilities, or records.
Opening BriefOpening Brief is a court and legal-process term used to describe cases, court authority, legal procedure, judicial review, opinions, or public legal records.
OpinionAn opinion is a written explanation of a court’s decision and the legal reasoning behind it.
Opinion AnnouncementOpinion Announcement is a court and legal-process term used to describe cases, court authority, legal procedure, judicial review, opinions, or public legal records.
Oral ArgumentOral argument is a formal court session where lawyers answer judges’ questions and explain why their side should prevail.
OrderOrder is a court and legal-process term used to describe cases, court authority, legal procedure, judicial review, opinions, or public legal records.
Ordered ReportedCommittee’s formal action of agreeing to report a measure or matter to its chamber. See also, reported.
OrdinanceOrdinance is a government term used to understand public authority, official process, rights, responsibilities, or records.
Original BillAn introduced bill that embodies a text approved in a committee markup but not formally introduced prior to the markup..
Original JurisdictionOriginal Jurisdiction is a court and legal-process term used to describe cases, court authority, legal procedure, judicial review, opinions, or public legal records.
OriginalismOriginalism is a government term used to understand public authority, official process, rights, responsibilities, or records.
OverrideOverride is a legislative term used to describe bills, votes, committees, debates, oversight, budgets, or lawmaking procedure.
OversightOversight is a legislative term used to describe bills, votes, committees, debates, oversight, budgets, or lawmaking procedure.
Oversight CommitteeOversight Committee is a government term used to understand public authority, official process, rights, responsibilities, or records.
Oversight HearingOversight Hearing is a legislative term used to describe bills, votes, committees, debates, oversight, budgets, or lawmaking procedure.

PACERPACER is the federal courts’ online system for public access to court records and docket information.
PanelPanel is a court and legal-process term used to describe cases, court authority, legal procedure, judicial review, opinions, or public legal records.
Panel RehearingPanel Rehearing is a court and legal-process term used to describe cases, court authority, legal procedure, judicial review, opinions, or public legal records.
PardonPardon is an executive-branch and agency term used to describe presidential action, agency authority, public programs, rules, benefits, enforcement, or administrative records.
ParliamentarianNonpartisan staff officials (one in each chamber, assisted by deputies and assistants) who provide expert advice and.
PartisanPartisan is a government term used to understand public authority, official process, rights, responsibilities, or records.
Partitioned NominationA presidential nomination (PN) with multiple nominees may be partitioned by the Senate if the nominees follow a.
PartyParty is a government term used to understand public authority, official process, rights, responsibilities, or records.
Party Caucus / ConferenceThe official organization comprised of all members of a political party serving within a congressional chamber (e.g.
PassPass is a legislative term used to describe bills, votes, committees, debates, oversight, budgets, or lawmaking procedure.
PatronagePatronage is a government term used to understand public authority, official process, rights, responsibilities, or records.
Per Curiam OpinionPer Curiam Opinion is a court and legal-process term used to describe cases, court authority, legal procedure, judicial review, opinions, or public legal records.
Personal JurisdictionPersonal Jurisdiction is a court and legal-process term used to describe cases, court authority, legal procedure, judicial review, opinions, or public legal records.
Persuasive AuthorityPersuasive authority is legal reasoning that a court may consider but does not have to follow.
Petit JuryPetit Jury is a court and legal-process term used to describe cases, court authority, legal procedure, judicial review, opinions, or public legal records.
PetitionWritten statement from any entity other than a state legislature – boards, commissions, cities, towns, individuals –.
Petition for CertiorariPetition for Certiorari is a court and legal-process term used to describe cases, court authority, legal procedure, judicial review, opinions, or public legal records.
PetitionerA petitioner is the party asking a court, often an appellate court or the Supreme Court, to take a specific action.
Ping-PongPing-Pong is a legislative term used to describe bills, votes, committees, debates, oversight, budgets, or lawmaking procedure.
PlaintiffA plaintiff is the person or organization that starts a civil lawsuit by filing a complaint.
PlatformPlatform is an elections and civic-participation term used to describe voting, ballots, registration, election administration, campaigns, or public participation.
PluralityPlurality is an elections and civic-participation term used to describe voting, ballots, registration, election administration, campaigns, or public participation.
Plurality OpinionPlurality Opinion is a court and legal-process term used to describe cases, court authority, legal procedure, judicial review, opinions, or public legal records.
Pocket VetoPocket Veto is a legislative term used to describe bills, votes, committees, debates, oversight, budgets, or lawmaking procedure.
Pocket Veto OverridePocket Veto Override is a legislative term used to describe bills, votes, committees, debates, oversight, budgets, or lawmaking procedure.
Point Of OrderA point of order is a formal objection that a rule, procedure, or legal limit is being violated.
Police PowerPolice Power is a government term used to understand public authority, official process, rights, responsibilities, or records.
PolicyPolicy is a government term used to understand public authority, official process, rights, responsibilities, or records.
Policy Area TermThe policy area term vocabulary is consistently used for all bills and resolutions introduced since 1979 (96th.
Policy DirectivePolicy Directive is an executive-branch and agency term used to describe presidential action, agency authority, public programs, rules, benefits, enforcement, or administrative records.
Policy GuidancePolicy Guidance is an executive-branch and agency term used to describe presidential action, agency authority, public programs, rules, benefits, enforcement, or administrative records.
Policy StatementPolicy Statement is an executive-branch and agency term used to describe presidential action, agency authority, public programs, rules, benefits, enforcement, or administrative records.
Political Action CommitteePolitical Action Committee is an elections and civic-participation term used to describe voting, ballots, registration, election administration, campaigns, or public participation.
Political AppointeePolitical Appointee is an executive-branch and agency term used to describe presidential action, agency authority, public programs, rules, benefits, enforcement, or administrative records.
Political PartyPolitical Party is a government term used to understand public authority, official process, rights, responsibilities, or records.
Political QuestionPolitical Question is a court and legal-process term used to describe cases, court authority, legal procedure, judicial review, opinions, or public legal records.
PollPoll is an elections and civic-participation term used to describe voting, ballots, registration, election administration, campaigns, or public participation.
Poll WorkerPoll Worker is an elections and civic-participation term used to describe voting, ballots, registration, election administration, campaigns, or public participation.
Polling PlacePolling Place is an elections and civic-participation term used to describe voting, ballots, registration, election administration, campaigns, or public participation.
Popular SovereigntyPopular sovereignty is the idea that government authority ultimately comes from the people.
Popular TitleAn informal, unofficial name for legislation that may be assigned by the House, Senate, or CRS to improve access..
Popular VotePopular Vote 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.
Power Of The PursePower Of The Purse means Congress’s control over federal taxing, borrowing, authorizations, appropriations, and spending conditions. It is one of Congress’s strongest checks because federal programs and agencies generally need congressional legal authority and funding before they can operate.
PreambleThe Preamble is the opening sentence of the Constitution, announcing the purposes of the constitutional system.
PrecedentPrecedent is an earlier legal decision or procedural ruling that guides later decisions.
Preliminary InjunctionPreliminary Injunction is a court and legal-process term used to describe cases, court authority, legal procedure, judicial review, opinions, or public legal records.
Preponderance of the EvidencePreponderance of the Evidence is a court and legal-process term used to describe cases, court authority, legal procedure, judicial review, opinions, or public legal records.
President Pro TemporePresident Pro Tempore is a legislative term used to describe bills, votes, committees, debates, oversight, budgets, or lawmaking procedure.
Presidential DeterminationA formal presidential finding or decision often required by statute.
Presidential MemorandumA presidential directive or statement often used to instruct agencies or announce policy.
Presidential MessageWritten statement presented to the Congress, such as the President’s Budget or the State of the Union address.
Presidential ProclamationA formal presidential announcement that may have ceremonial, legal, or policy effect depending on authority.
Press SecretaryPress Secretary is an executive-branch and agency term used to describe presidential action, agency authority, public programs, rules, benefits, enforcement, or administrative records.
Pretrial ConferencePretrial Conference is a court and legal-process term used to describe cases, court authority, legal procedure, judicial review, opinions, or public legal records.
Previous QuestionNon-debatable motion, available in the House and its legislative committees, which, when agreed to, cuts off further.
PrimaryPrimary is an elections and civic-participation term used to describe voting, ballots, registration, election administration, campaigns, or public participation.
Primary ElectionPrimary Election is a legislative term used to describe bills, votes, committees, debates, oversight, budgets, or lawmaking procedure.
PrivacyPrivacy is a civic and constitutional law term used to understand government power, rights, or public process.
Privacy ActThe Privacy Act regulates how federal agencies collect, use, and disclose records about individuals.
Private BillIn contrast to public bills (which apply to public matters and deal with individuals only by classes), a private bill.
Privileged NominationCertain nominations entitled to expedited procedures, pursuant to S.Res. 116 (112th Congress).
Privileges and ImmunitiesPrivileges and Immunities 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.
Privileges and Immunities ClausePrivileges and Immunities Clause 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.
Pro Forma SessionA daily session of either chamber held chiefly to avoid the occurrence of either a recess of more than three days.
Pro Hac VicePro Hac Vice is a court and legal-process term used to describe cases, court authority, legal procedure, judicial review, opinions, or public legal records.
Pro SePro Se is a court and legal-process term used to describe cases, court authority, legal procedure, judicial review, opinions, or public legal records.
Probable CauseProbable Cause is a court and legal-process term used to describe cases, court authority, legal procedure, judicial review, opinions, or public legal records.
Procedural Due ProcessProcedural due process requires fair steps such as notice and a meaningful chance to be heard before government deprives a person of protected interests.
Procedurally-Related MeasureLegislation that affects consideration of other legislation (e.g., a rule for consideration, a bill ordered to be.
ProclamationA proclamation is a presidential document that announces, recognizes, or declares a policy, event, observance, or legal status.
ProcurementProcurement is an executive-branch and agency term used to describe presidential action, agency authority, public programs, rules, benefits, enforcement, or administrative records.
ProgramProgram is an executive-branch and agency term used to describe presidential action, agency authority, public programs, rules, benefits, enforcement, or administrative records.
Program OfficeProgram Office is a federal department, agency, office, or public institution connected to the administration of federal law, services, records, or policy.
ProhibitionProhibition is a court and legal-process term used to describe cases, court authority, legal procedure, judicial review, opinions, or public legal records.
Proposed RuleProposed Rule is an executive-branch and agency term used to describe presidential action, agency authority, public programs, rules, benefits, enforcement, or administrative records.
Proposed/offered Senate AmendmentA Senate amendment is proposed or offered when a Senator has been recognized by the presiding officer, sends his/her.
ProsecutorProsecutor is a court and legal-process term used to describe cases, court authority, legal procedure, judicial review, opinions, or public legal records.
Public AdministrationPublic Administration 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.
Public AssistancePublic Assistance is an executive-branch and agency term used to describe presidential action, agency authority, public programs, rules, benefits, enforcement, or administrative records.
Public CommentPublic comment is the opportunity for people, organizations, and governments to submit views on proposed agency actions or rules.
Public Comment PeriodPublic Comment Period is an executive-branch and agency term used to describe presidential action, agency authority, public programs, rules, benefits, enforcement, or administrative records.
Public LawA law that applies generally to the public after passing Congress and completing presidential action or a veto override.
Public OfficePublic Office is a government term used to understand public authority, official process, rights, responsibilities, or records.
Public PolicyPublic Policy 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.
Public RecordsPublic Records is a government term used to understand public authority, official process, rights, responsibilities, or records.
Public ServantPublic Servant is a government term used to understand public authority, official process, rights, responsibilities, or records.
Public TrustPublic Trust is a government term used to understand public authority, official process, rights, responsibilities, or records.
Published OpinionPublished Opinion is a court and legal-process term used to describe cases, court authority, legal procedure, judicial review, opinions, or public legal records.
Punitive DamagesPunitive Damages is a court and legal-process term used to describe cases, court authority, legal procedure, judicial review, opinions, or public legal records.

QuorumA quorum is the minimum number of members who must be present for a body to conduct official business.
Quorum CallAction to formally ascertain the presence of the minimum number of members required to transact business. In the.

Ranking MemberThe most senior (though not necessarily the longest-serving) member of the minority party on a committee (or.
RatificationRatification 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.
Rational Basis ReviewRational Basis Review is a government term used to understand public authority, official process, rights, responsibilities, or records.
RationaleRationale is a court and legal-process term used to describe cases, court authority, legal procedure, judicial review, opinions, or public legal records.
Reasonable SuspicionReasonable Suspicion is a court and legal-process term used to describe cases, court authority, legal procedure, judicial review, opinions, or public legal records.
ReauthorizationReauthorization is a government term used to understand public authority, official process, rights, responsibilities, or records.
RecallRecall is an elections and civic-participation term used to describe voting, ballots, registration, election administration, campaigns, or public participation.
RecedeRecede is a legislative term used to describe bills, votes, committees, debates, oversight, budgets, or lawmaking procedure.
Recess AppointmentA temporary presidential appointment, during a recess of the Senate, of an individual to a federal government position.
RecommendationRecommendation is a government term used to understand public authority, official process, rights, responsibilities, or records.
ReconciliationReconciliation is a special congressional budget process that can move certain tax, spending, and debt-limit legislation under expedited rules.
Record on AppealRecord on Appeal is a court and legal-process term used to describe cases, court authority, legal procedure, judicial review, opinions, or public legal records.
RecordkeepingRecordkeeping is a government term used to understand public authority, official process, rights, responsibilities, or records.
Records RetentionRecords Retention is a government term used to understand public authority, official process, rights, responsibilities, or records.
RecountRecount is an elections and civic-participation term used to describe voting, ballots, registration, election administration, campaigns, or public participation.
RecusalRecusal is a court and legal-process term used to describe cases, court authority, legal procedure, judicial review, opinions, or public legal records.
RedistrictingRedistricting is a legislative term used to describe bills, votes, committees, debates, oversight, budgets, or lawmaking procedure.
ReferendumReferendum is an elections and civic-participation term used to describe voting, ballots, registration, election administration, campaigns, or public participation.
ReferralAssignment of a measure to a committee or committees (or subcommittees) for potential consideration. See also.
RegulationA legally binding rule issued by an agency under authority granted by law.
Regulatory AgencyRegulatory Agency is a federal department, agency, office, or public institution connected to the administration of federal law, services, records, or policy.
Regulatory ImpactRegulatory Impact is a government term used to understand public authority, official process, rights, responsibilities, or records.
ReinstatementReinstatement is a court and legal-process term used to describe cases, court authority, legal procedure, judicial review, opinions, or public legal records.
Related BillA related bill may be a companion measure, an identical bill, a procedurally-related measure, or one with text.
RelevanceRelevance is a court and legal-process term used to describe cases, court authority, legal procedure, judicial review, opinions, or public legal records.
ReliefRelief is a court and legal-process term used to describe cases, court authority, legal procedure, judicial review, opinions, or public legal records.
RemandRemand is a court and legal-process term used to describe cases, court authority, legal procedure, judicial review, opinions, or public legal records.
RemandedRemanded means an appellate court has sent a case back to a lower court for more proceedings.
RemedyRemedy is a court and legal-process term used to describe cases, court authority, legal procedure, judicial review, opinions, or public legal records.
RemittiturRemittitur is a court and legal-process term used to describe cases, court authority, legal procedure, judicial review, opinions, or public legal records.
RemovalRemoval is a court and legal-process term used to describe cases, court authority, legal procedure, judicial review, opinions, or public legal records.
RepealRepeal is a legislative term used to describe bills, votes, committees, debates, oversight, budgets, or lawmaking procedure.
Reply BriefReply Brief is a court and legal-process term used to describe cases, court authority, legal procedure, judicial review, opinions, or public legal records.
ReportReport is a legislative term used to describe bills, votes, committees, debates, oversight, budgets, or lawmaking procedure.
Report OutReport Out is a legislative term used to describe bills, votes, committees, debates, oversight, budgets, or lawmaking procedure.
ReportedFormal submission of a measure by a committee to its parent chamber or by a subcommittee to its parent committee. See.
Representative DemocracyRepresentative Democracy 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.
RepublicRepublic 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.
Request for AdmissionRequest for Admission is a court and legal-process term used to describe cases, court authority, legal procedure, judicial review, opinions, or public legal records.
Requests for ProductionRequests for Production is a court and legal-process term used to describe cases, court authority, legal procedure, judicial review, opinions, or public legal records.
Reserved Bill NumberIn recent Congresses, the resolution specifying House internal rules of procedure includes reserving bill numbers for.
Reserved PowerReserved Power 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.
Reserved PowersReserved powers are powers kept by the states or the people rather than given to the federal government.
ResolutionResolution is a legislative term used to describe bills, votes, committees, debates, oversight, budgets, or lawmaking procedure.
Resolution of DisapprovalResolution of Disapproval is a legislative term used to describe bills, votes, committees, debates, oversight, budgets, or lawmaking procedure.
Resolution of RatificationA resolution by which the Senate, if supported by a vote of two-thirds, formally gives its advice and consent to a.
RespondentA respondent is the party answering a petition, especially in appellate or Supreme Court proceedings.
Response BriefResponse Brief is a court and legal-process term used to describe cases, court authority, legal procedure, judicial review, opinions, or public legal records.
Retired JudgeRetired Judge is a court and legal-process term used to describe cases, court authority, legal procedure, judicial review, opinions, or public legal records.
RevenueMoney collected by government, especially through taxes and fees.
Revenue BillA bill for raising federal revenue that must originate in the House of Representatives.
ReversedReversed means an appellate court has set aside the lower court’s decision as wrong in whole or in part.
ReviewReview is a government term used to understand public authority, official process, rights, responsibilities, or records.
RiderRider is a legislative term used to describe bills, votes, committees, debates, oversight, budgets, or lawmaking procedure.
Right to AssembleRight to Assemble 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.
Right to CounselRight to Counsel 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.
Right to PetitionRight to Petition 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.
RipenessRipeness asks whether a dispute has developed enough for a court to decide it instead of reviewing a speculative future problem.
Roll Call VoteA vote that records the individual position of each Member who voted. Such votes occurring on the House floor (by the.
RuleRule is a government term used to understand public authority, official process, rights, responsibilities, or records.
Rule of FourRule of Four is a court and legal-process term used to describe cases, court authority, legal procedure, judicial review, opinions, or public legal records.
Rule of LawRule of law means government officials and private people are bound by publicly known legal rules rather than personal power.
RulemakingRulemaking is the process agencies use to create, amend, or repeal regulations.
Rules CommitteeThe Rules Committee is the House committee that often decides how a bill will be debated, amended, and voted on by the full House.
RunoffRunoff is an elections and civic-participation term used to describe voting, ballots, registration, election administration, campaigns, or public participation.
Runoff ElectionRunoff Election is an elections and civic-participation term used to describe voting, ballots, registration, election administration, campaigns, or public participation.

SanctionSanction is a court and legal-process term used to describe cases, court authority, legal procedure, judicial review, opinions, or public legal records.
Search and SeizureSearch and Seizure 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.
Search WarrantSearch Warrant is a court and legal-process term used to describe cases, court authority, legal procedure, judicial review, opinions, or public legal records.
Second AmendmentSecond Amendment 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.
SecretarySecretary is an executive-branch and agency term used to describe presidential action, agency authority, public programs, rules, benefits, enforcement, or administrative records.
Select CommitteeSelect Committee is a legislative term used to describe bills, votes, committees, debates, oversight, budgets, or lawmaking procedure.
Selective IncorporationSelective Incorporation 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.
Self-IncriminationSelf-Incrimination 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.
Senior StatusSenior Status is a court and legal-process term used to describe cases, court authority, legal procedure, judicial review, opinions, or public legal records.
SentenceSentence is a court and legal-process term used to describe cases, court authority, legal procedure, judicial review, opinions, or public legal records.
Separation of Church and StateSeparation of Church and State 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.
Serial SetThe United States Congressional Serial Set is commonly referred to as the Serial Set. Publication of Serial Set volumes.
Service of ProcessService of Process is a court and legal-process term used to describe cases, court authority, legal procedure, judicial review, opinions, or public legal records.
SessionSession is a legislative term used to describe bills, votes, committees, debates, oversight, budgets, or lawmaking procedure.
SettlementSettlement is a court and legal-process term used to describe cases, court authority, legal procedure, judicial review, opinions, or public legal records.
Shadow DocketShadow Docket is a court and legal-process term used to describe cases, court authority, legal procedure, judicial review, opinions, or public legal records.
Short TitleIn addition to an official title, a bill may be assigned one or more short titles upon introduction, committee or.
Signing StatementSigning Statement is an executive-branch and agency term used to describe presidential action, agency authority, public programs, rules, benefits, enforcement, or administrative records.
Simple MajoritySimple Majority is a legislative term used to describe bills, votes, committees, debates, oversight, budgets, or lawmaking procedure.
Simple ResolutionA form of legislative measure introduced and potentially acted upon by only one congressional chamber and used for the.
Sitting JusticesSitting Justices is a court and legal-process term used to describe cases, court authority, legal procedure, judicial review, opinions, or public legal records.
Sixth AmendmentSixth Amendment 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.
Slip LawThe initial publication of a measure that has become law. Slip laws are made available online within days after.
SovereigntySovereignty 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.
Speaker of the HouseSpeaker of the House is a legislative term used to describe bills, votes, committees, debates, oversight, budgets, or lawmaking procedure.
Special ElectionSpecial Election is a legislative term used to describe bills, votes, committees, debates, oversight, budgets, or lawmaking procedure.
Special RuleA resolution reported by the Rules Committee that, if agreed to by the House, sets the terms for debating and amending.
Specialized CourtSpecialized Court is a court and legal-process term used to describe cases, court authority, legal procedure, judicial review, opinions, or public legal records.
Specific PerformanceSpecific Performance is a court and legal-process term used to describe cases, court authority, legal procedure, judicial review, opinions, or public legal records.
SpeechSpeech is an elections and civic-participation term used to describe voting, ballots, registration, election administration, campaigns, or public participation.
Speedy TrialSpeedy Trial 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.
Spending BillSpending Bill is a budget and public-finance term used to describe revenue, spending, appropriations, debt, taxes, or government funding.
Spending PowerSpending Power is a budget and public-finance term used to describe revenue, spending, appropriations, debt, taxes, or government funding.
SponsorA Representative or Senator who introduces or submits a bill or other measure.
SponsorshipSponsorship is a legislative term used to describe bills, votes, committees, debates, oversight, budgets, or lawmaking procedure.
Standard of ReviewStandard of Review is a court and legal-process term used to describe cases, court authority, legal procedure, judicial review, opinions, or public legal records.
StandingStanding is the requirement that a person bringing a case has a real, personal stake in the dispute.
Standing CommitteeStanding Committee is a legislative term used to describe bills, votes, committees, debates, oversight, budgets, or lawmaking procedure.
Standing Committee ReportA standing committee report explains a committee’s action, reasoning, and recommended changes to a bill.
Standing OrderStanding Order is a government term used to understand public authority, official process, rights, responsibilities, or records.
Star PrintStar prints are corrected re-prints of congressional publications. Star prints supersede the original print of a.
Stare DecisisStare decisis is the principle that courts should generally follow earlier decisions when the same legal issue returns.
State GovernmentState Government 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.
State Legal ResourcesOfficial and research resources that help users find a state constitution, statutes, regulations, court information.
State of the UnionState of the Union is an executive-branch and agency term used to describe presidential action, agency authority, public programs, rules, benefits, enforcement, or administrative records.
StatuteA statute is a written law enacted by Congress or a state legislature through the legislative process.
Statutes At LargeThe Statutes at Large is the permanent collection of all laws and resolutions enacted during each session of Congress..
StayStay is a court and legal-process term used to describe cases, court authority, legal procedure, judicial review, opinions, or public legal records.
Stay Pending AppealStay Pending Appeal is a court and legal-process term used to describe cases, court authority, legal procedure, judicial review, opinions, or public legal records.
Strict ScrutinyStrict Scrutiny is a government term used to understand public authority, official process, rights, responsibilities, or records.
Structured RuleA structured rule is a House floor rule that allows only certain amendments under terms set in advance.
Sua SponteSua Sponte is a court and legal-process term used to describe cases, court authority, legal procedure, judicial review, opinions, or public legal records.
SubcommitteeSubcommittee is a legislative term used to describe bills, votes, committees, debates, oversight, budgets, or lawmaking procedure.
SubjectThere are three separate and distinct subject term vocabularies used to facilitate finding bills by subject. See.
Subject-Matter JurisdictionSubject-Matter Jurisdiction is a court and legal-process term used to describe cases, court authority, legal procedure, judicial review, opinions, or public legal records.
Submitted Senate AmendmentAn amendment is submitted when a senator files his/her amendment at the desk with the clerk for possible future.
SubpoenaA subpoena is a formal command to provide testimony, documents, or other evidence.
SubsidySubsidy is an executive-branch and agency term used to describe presidential action, agency authority, public programs, rules, benefits, enforcement, or administrative records.
Substantive Due ProcessSubstantive due process asks whether certain government actions violate fundamental liberty even if procedures were formally followed.
Substitute AmendmentSubstitute Amendment is a legislative term used to describe bills, votes, committees, debates, oversight, budgets, or lawmaking procedure.
SuffrageSuffrage is an elections and civic-participation term used to describe voting, ballots, registration, election administration, campaigns, or public participation.
Summary DispositionSummary Disposition is a court and legal-process term used to describe cases, court authority, legal procedure, judicial review, opinions, or public legal records.
Summary JudgmentSummary Judgment is a court and legal-process term used to describe cases, court authority, legal procedure, judicial review, opinions, or public legal records.
SummonsSummons is a court and legal-process term used to describe cases, court authority, legal procedure, judicial review, opinions, or public legal records.
Sunset ClauseSunset Clause is a legislative term used to describe bills, votes, committees, debates, oversight, budgets, or lawmaking procedure.
SupermajorityA term sometimes used for a vote on a matter that requires approval by more than a simple majority of those members.
Supplemental AppropriationSupplemental Appropriation is a budget and public-finance term used to describe revenue, spending, appropriations, debt, taxes, or government funding.
Suppression MotionSuppression Motion is a court and legal-process term used to describe cases, court authority, legal procedure, judicial review, opinions, or public legal records.
Supremacy ClauseSupremacy Clause is a civic and constitutional law term used to understand government power, rights, or public process.
Supreme Court Case LawThe body of legal rules and interpretations that develops from decisions of the Supreme Court of the United States.
SurplusSurplus is a legislative term used to describe bills, votes, committees, debates, oversight, budgets, or lawmaking procedure.
Suspension Of The RulesSuspension of the rules is a House procedure for quickly passing broadly supported measures with limited debate and no floor amendments.

TableTable is a legislative term used to describe bills, votes, committees, debates, oversight, budgets, or lawmaking procedure.
Task ForceTask Force is an executive-branch and agency term used to describe presidential action, agency authority, public programs, rules, benefits, enforcement, or administrative records.
Tax BillTax Bill is a budget and public-finance term used to describe revenue, spending, appropriations, debt, taxes, or government funding.
Taxing PowerTaxing Power is a budget and public-finance term used to describe revenue, spending, appropriations, debt, taxes, or government funding.
Temporary Restraining OrderTemporary Restraining Order is a court and legal-process term used to describe cases, court authority, legal procedure, judicial review, opinions, or public legal records.
TermTerm is a court and legal-process term used to describe cases, court authority, legal procedure, judicial review, opinions, or public legal records.
Term LimitTerm Limit is a legislative term used to describe bills, votes, committees, debates, oversight, budgets, or lawmaking procedure.
Territorial LawThe body of constitutional, statutory, regulatory, and local legal materials that applies to a United States territory.
TestimonyTestimony is a legislative term used to describe bills, votes, committees, debates, oversight, budgets, or lawmaking procedure.
Text SimilaritiesLegislation that is substantially similar in both text and meaning. Relationships indicated on this basis also include.
TextualismTextualism is a government term used to understand public authority, official process, rights, responsibilities, or records.
TitleSee official title, popular title, and short title.
Town HallTown Hall is an elections and civic-participation term used to describe voting, ballots, registration, election administration, campaigns, or public participation.
TransparencyTransparency 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.
TreatyAn agreement negotiated and signed by the executive that enters into force if it is approved by a two-thirds vote in.
Treaty DocumentThe text of a treaty as submitted to the Senate by the executive branch, as well as letters of transmittal from the.
Treaty RatificationTreaty Ratification is an executive-branch and agency term used to describe presidential action, agency authority, public programs, rules, benefits, enforcement, or administrative records.
TrialTrial is a court and legal-process term used to describe cases, court authority, legal procedure, judicial review, opinions, or public legal records.
Trial CourtTrial Court is a court and legal-process term used to describe cases, court authority, legal procedure, judicial review, opinions, or public legal records.
TurnoutTurnout is an elections and civic-participation term used to describe voting, ballots, registration, election administration, campaigns, or public participation.
Two-Thirds VoteTwo-Thirds Vote is a legislative term used to describe bills, votes, committees, debates, oversight, budgets, or lawmaking procedure.

Unanimous ConsentUnanimous Consent is a legislative term used to describe bills, votes, committees, debates, oversight, budgets, or lawmaking procedure.
Unanimous Consent AgreementA unanimous consent agreement is a Senate agreement that sets terms for debate, amendments, timing, or voting when no senator objects.
Unanimous Consent RequestA proposal that all members (of a chamber or committee) agree to set aside one or more chamber or committee rules to.
UnconstitutionalUnconstitutional 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.
Unconstitutional ActionUnconstitutional Action 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.
UndersecretaryUndersecretary is an executive-branch and agency term used to describe presidential action, agency authority, public programs, rules, benefits, enforcement, or administrative records.
United States GovernmentUnited States Government 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.
Unpublished OpinionUnpublished Opinion is a court and legal-process term used to describe cases, court authority, legal procedure, judicial review, opinions, or public legal records.

Vacant SeatVacant Seat is a legislative term used to describe bills, votes, committees, debates, oversight, budgets, or lawmaking procedure.
VacatedVacated means a court has set aside a previous judgment or order so it no longer has legal effect.
VenueVenue is a court and legal-process term used to describe cases, court authority, legal procedure, judicial review, opinions, or public legal records.
VerdictVerdict is a court and legal-process term used to describe cases, court authority, legal procedure, judicial review, opinions, or public legal records.
VetoPresidential disapproval of a bill or joint resolution presented to him for enactment into law. If a president vetoes a.
Veto OverrideVeto Override is a legislative term used to describe bills, votes, committees, debates, oversight, budgets, or lawmaking procedure.
Voice VoteVoice Vote is a legislative term used to describe bills, votes, committees, debates, oversight, budgets, or lawmaking procedure.
Voir DireVoir Dire is a court and legal-process term used to describe cases, court authority, legal procedure, judicial review, opinions, or public legal records.
Vote ThresholdA vote threshold is the number or share of votes required for an action to pass.
VoterVoter is an elections and civic-participation term used to describe voting, ballots, registration, election administration, campaigns, or public participation.
Voter RegistrationVoter Registration is an elections and civic-participation term used to describe voting, ballots, registration, election administration, campaigns, or public participation.
Voting RightsVoting Rights is a civic and constitutional law term used to understand government power, rights, or public process.

War PowersWar powers are the constitutional and statutory authorities that shape how the United States uses military force.
West WingWest Wing is an executive-branch and agency term used to describe presidential action, agency authority, public programs, rules, benefits, enforcement, or administrative records.
White HouseWhite House is an executive-branch and agency term used to describe presidential action, agency authority, public programs, rules, benefits, enforcement, or administrative records.
WitnessWitness is a legislative term used to describe bills, votes, committees, debates, oversight, budgets, or lawmaking procedure.
Witness ListWitness List is a legislative term used to describe bills, votes, committees, debates, oversight, budgets, or lawmaking procedure.
Working GroupWorking Group is an executive-branch and agency term used to describe presidential action, agency authority, public programs, rules, benefits, enforcement, or administrative records.
WritWrit is a court and legal-process term used to describe cases, court authority, legal procedure, judicial review, opinions, or public legal records.
Writ of CertiorariA writ of certiorari is the formal order by which the Supreme Court agrees to review a case.