Terms starting with "D"

Diplomatic Recognition Diplomatic recognition is a government's formal acknowledgment of another state or government as an entity with which it may conduct official relations. Recognition can affect diplomatic relations, official representation, and the way governments interact, but it does not by itself resolve every dispute about sovereignty or territorial claims. Direct Evidence Direct evidence is evidence that, if believed, directly establishes a fact without requiring an inference from another fact. Examples may include an eyewitness's testimony about an event or a recording that captures the event. Direct evidence still must be evaluated for reliability and admissibility. Direct Primary An election in which voters directly select the candidates who will represent a political party in the general election, as opposed to a caucus or convention system where party delegates make the selection. Deposition A deposition is sworn testimony taken outside the courtroom, usually before trial, with questions asked by attorneys and answers recorded by a court reporter or other authorized method. Depositions are part of discovery in many civil cases and may be used to preserve testimony or prepare for trial. Deputy Secretary A deputy secretary is a senior official who assists a department secretary and may oversee major operations or act for the secretary when authorized. The role and responsibilities depend on the department's structure and governing law. Desegregation The legal and administrative process of ending racial segregation, particularly in public schools, transportation, and facilities, by removing laws or policies that mandate separation by race. Deficit A federal budget deficit occurs when government outlays exceed receipts during a fiscal year. Treasury measures the deficit using outlays, or payments made, and receipts, or cash received; when receipts exceed outlays, there is a surplus. Delegate (Non-voting) A House delegate is an elected representative for the District of Columbia or a U.S. territory that is not a state. Delegates cannot vote on the House floor, but they can debate there, make most motions, sponsor legislation and vote in legislative committees. The House rules for the 119th Congress give delegates the same powers and privileges as other members of the standing committees to which they are elected. Delegated Power Delegated power is authority granted by the Constitution or by a law to a government body or official to carry out specified duties. Congress may delegate implementation responsibilities to agencies, but agencies must stay within the limits of the authority granted and follow applicable procedures. Delegated Powers Delegated powers are authorities the Constitution grants to the federal government. Congress may legislate only under a specific power enumerated in the Constitution; the Tenth Amendment reserves powers not delegated to the United States and not prohibited to the states to the states or the people. Delegation Delegation, in this context, is Congress’s assignment of authority to a federal agency to carry out statutory functions. The agency exercises that authority within the guidance and limits Congress provides; the Supreme Court describes the required guidance as an intelligible principle. Delegation of Authority Delegation of authority is the formal assignment of decision-making or operational authority from one official or body to another, within limits established by law and organizational rules. A delegation can help an agency function efficiently, but it does not remove the delegating official's legal obligations or expand the authority beyond what the law permits.