Government Glossary

Journal

The constitutionally-mandated record of certain House and Senate actions, including motions offered, votes taken, and.

Plain-English Meaning

The constitutionally-mandated record of certain House and Senate actions, including motions offered, votes taken, and amendments agreed to. Unlike the Congressional Record, it does not contain remarks delivered in the House and Senate. In the Guide to Government, this term should be read in context: who has authority, what process applies, what official record shows the decision, and what limits or rights are involved.

Related Guide Pages

CongressA true Congress home page for understanding the House, Senate, lawmaking, committees, oversight, federal powers, member work, and official records.Government ResourcesA directory for official public services, benefits, documents, courts, records, taxes, consumer help, emergency information, and agency contact paths.ConstitutionThe Constitution explains what the federal government may do, how power is divided among the three branches, how states fit into the system, and which rights the government must respect. This section gives visitors a plain-English path through the articles, amJudicial BranchThe Branch That Decides: how federal courts interpret law, resolve disputes, review government action, and connect visitors to official court resources.