Terms starting with "A"

Amendment in the Nature of a Substitute An amendment in the nature of a substitute is an amendment that replaces all or a substantial portion of the text under consideration with a different version. It allows a chamber or committee to consider a revised proposal as a whole, subject to the rules governing the measure. Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Alcohol, 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. Alliance A formal agreement between nations to support each other, usually by promising military help if one of them is attacked or goes to war. An offensive alliance covers wars the partners start together; a defensive alliance covers only attacks on a partner. Ambassador An ambassador is a senior diplomatic representative of one country to another country or an international organization. U.S. ambassadors represent the President and the United States abroad, carry out diplomatic duties, and are generally nominated by the President and confirmed by the Senate. Ambassadorship Ambassadorship is an executive-branch and agency term used to describe presidential action, agency authority, public programs, rules, benefits, enforcement, or administrative records. Amend To amend is to change or modify a text, proposal, law, or constitutional provision through an authorized process. In Congress, members may offer amendments to bills or resolutions under the rules governing consideration. Constitutional amendments follow a separate process under Article V. Amend and Pass Amend and Pass is a legislative term used to describe bills, votes, committees, debates, oversight, budgets, or lawmaking procedure. Affirmed Affirmed is an appellate-court disposition meaning that the reviewing court leaves the lower court's judgment in place. An appellate court may affirm all or part of a decision, reverse it, vacate it, or remand the case for further proceedings. Agency Guidance Agency guidance is a document in which a government agency explains its interpretation of law, policy, or recommended practices. Guidance can help the public understand how an agency approaches a topic, but it generally differs from a regulation and does not itself create binding legal obligations unless law provides otherwise. Agenda An agenda is a list of topics or actions planned for a meeting or session. In government, an agenda may identify bills for consideration, hearing topics, witness panels, votes, or other business. An agenda can change as circumstances and procedural decisions change. Advisory Opinion A non-binding statement issued by a court or legal body expressing its opinion on a legal question, without actually resolving a live case or controversy. Advocacy Advocacy is the effort to persuade decision-makers or the public to support a cause, policy, or change. Civic advocacy can include contacting elected officials, organizing public events, submitting comments, filing petitions, publishing research, or participating in public debate. Advocacy may support or oppose a proposal.