Terms starting with "E"

Enforcement Enforcement is the process of ensuring that laws, regulations, court orders, or other binding requirements are followed. Government enforcement can include investigations, inspections, administrative actions, civil lawsuits, or criminal prosecution, depending on the authority and alleged violation. Enforcement Action An enforcement action is a formal step taken by an authorized government body to address an alleged violation of law or regulation. It may involve a complaint, administrative proceeding, civil lawsuit, penalty, settlement, or order requiring a party to change its conduct. An enforcement action is not by itself proof that the allegations are true. Enforcement Agency An enforcement agency is a government body authorized to investigate possible violations and enforce laws or regulations within its jurisdiction. Some agencies focus on a specific subject, while others enforce a broad range of federal or state laws. Their powers and limits come from the Constitution, statutes, and applicable procedures. Enforcement Discretion Enforcement discretion is the authority or practical judgment an agency uses when deciding how to allocate limited resources and whether to pursue a particular alleged violation. Courts often recognize that agencies must prioritize cases, though discretion remains subject to statutory limits and some forms of review. Enfranchisement The act of granting the right to vote to a person or group of people who were previously excluded, thereby expanding the electorate and increasing democratic participation. Enacted Enacted describes legislation that has completed the required lawmaking process and become law. At the federal level, a bill generally must pass both chambers in identical form and be presented to the President, who may sign it or take another action allowed by the Constitution. Enactment Enactment is a legislative term used to describe bills, votes, committees, debates, oversight, budgets, or lawmaking procedure. Endorsement A public declaration of support for a specific candidate, political party, or ballot measure, typically made by a prominent individual, organization, or publication to influence voters. Energy in government A founding-era phrase for a government's ability to act firmly and promptly: to defend the country, enforce its laws and carry out decisions. In the Federalist Papers it means effectiveness, not unlimited power, and it is weighed against stability and liberty. Enabling Statute An enabling statute is a law that creates a government body or grants it authority to carry out specified duties. It defines the body's powers, responsibilities, and often the limits or procedures governing its work. Electoral College The body of electors established by the U.S. Constitution that formally elects the President and Vice President. Each state gets a number of electors equal to its total congressional delegation (House members + 2 Senators), totaling 538. A candidate needs 270 electoral votes to win. Electoral Vote A single vote cast by a member of the Electoral College for President and Vice President. States are allocated a number of these votes equal to their total congressional delegation (House members + 2 Senators).