• Absentee Ballot: A ballot that is cast by a voter who is unable to vote in person, such as a military voter or a voter living overseas.
  • Ad Hoc Committee: A temporary committee established for a specific purpose, rather than as a standing committee with ongoing responsibilities.
  • Affordable Care Act (ACA): Also known as Obamacare, a law passed in 2010 that aimed to increase the number of Americans with health insurance, protect consumers from insurance industry abuses, and reduce healthcare costs.
  • Agricultural Research Service (ARS): An agency within the USDA responsible for conducting research to support American agriculture.
  • Amendment: A change or addition to a law or constitution.
  • Amendment: A change or addition to the US Constitution.
  • American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA): A federal economic stimulus package enacted in 2009 in response to the Great Recession. The ARRA included provisions for infrastructure spending, tax cuts, and various other measures designed to stimulate economic growth and create jobs.
  • Appellate Court: A court that reviews decisions made by lower courts, typically for the purpose of determining whether a legal error was made.
  • Appellate Court: A higher court that reviews the decisions of lower courts.
  • Appointee: An individual who is appointed to a government position, rather than elected.
  • Appointments Clause: The clause in the US Constitution that grants the president the power to appoint federal judges, ambassadors, and executive branch officials with the advice and consent of the Senate.
  • Appropriation: The allocation of funds by Congress for specific purposes or programs.
  • Appropriations Bill: A bill passed by the US Congress that provides funding for specific government programs and activities.
  • Arrest Warrant: A warrant that authorizes a law enforcement officer to arrest a specific individual.
  • Articles of Impeachment: Formal charges brought against a public official during the impeachment process.
  • Bail: Money or property posted as security to ensure that a defendant appears in court for a trial.
  • Balance of Payments: A record of a country’s transactions with the rest of the world, including exports, imports, and financial transfers. The balance of payments is used to measure a country’s economic relations with other countries and can indicate whether a country is in a state of economic surplus or deficit.
  • Balance of Payments: A record of all transactions between a country and the rest of the world over a given period of time.
  • Balance of Trade: The difference between a country’s exports and imports, calculated on a balance of payments basis.
  • Ballot Measure: A proposal or question that appears on the ballot and is put to a direct vote by the citizens.
  • Bicameral Legislature: A legislative body comprised of two separate chambers, such as the U.S. Congress, which has the House of Representatives and the Senate.
  • Bicameral Legislature: A legislative body consisting of two separate chambers, such as the US Congress, which is made up of the Senate and the House of Representatives.
  • Bicameral Legislature: A legislature consisting of two chambers, such as the United States Congress, which consists of the Senate and the House of Representatives.
  • Bill of Rights: The first ten amendments to the US Constitution, guaranteeing basic individual rights and protections such as freedom of speech, religion, and the press.
  • Bill of Rights: The first ten amendments to the US Constitution, which establish individual rights and liberties, such as freedom of speech, religion, and the press, and the right to bear arms.
  • Bill of Rights: The first ten amendments to the US Constitution, which guarantee certain fundamental rights and freedoms to the citizens of the United States.
  • Bill of Rights: The first ten amendments to the US Constitution, which guarantee individual rights and protections, such as freedom of speech, religion, and the press.
  • Bill of Rights: The first ten amendments to the US Constitution, which outline the rights and freedoms guaranteed to all citizens, such as freedom of speech, religion, and the press, and the right to bear arms.
  • Bill of Rights: The first ten amendments to the US Constitution, which were added in 1791. They include such rights as freedom of speech, religion, and the press, as well as the right to bear arms and the right to a fair trial.
  • Blue state: A state that reliably votes for the Democratic Party in presidential elections.
  • Budget: A plan for the allocation of government resources, including revenue and spending, for a specified period of time.
  • Bullet Point List All United States Government Terminology and Related Definitions.
  • Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF): An agency within the DOJ responsible for enforcing federal firearms and explosives laws and regulations, and investigating arson and bombing incidents.
  • Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF): A federal law enforcement agency within the DOJ responsible for enforcing federal firearms and explosives laws and investigating arson and bombings.
  • Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): An agency within the U.S. Department of Labor responsible for collecting and analyzing data related to the labor market, including employment, wages, and prices. The BLS provides a wide range of information and data that is widely used by policymakers, economists, and others to evaluate the health of the economy.
  • Bureau of Land Management (BLM): An agency within the DOI responsible for managing and conserving public lands, including over 245 million acres of public lands and minerals.
  • Bureau of Land Management (BLM): An agency within the Interior Department responsible for managing and conserving the public lands and natural resources of the United States.
  • Bureau of the Fiscal: An agency within the Department of the Treasury responsible for issuing and redeeming U.S. currency and coin, and managing the supply of money in circulation.
  • Bureaucracy: The administrative structure of a government, including the civil service, regulatory agencies, and other administrative units.
  • Cabinet: A body of advisors to the President, consisting of the Vice President and the heads of federal executive departments.
  • Cabinet: A group of top advisors to the President, consisting of the heads of the major executive branch departments, such as the Secretary of State, Secretary of Defense, and Attorney General.
  • Cabinet: A group of top advisors to the US president, appointed by the president and confirmed by the Senate.
  • Cabinet: The group of top advisors to the president, made up of the heads of the executive departments, such as the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Defense.
  • Campaign Finance: The process by which candidates for public office raise and spend money to fund their campaigns.
  • Campaign finance: The raising and spending of money to influence the outcome of an election.
  • Campaign Finance: The regulation of money in political campaigns, including contributions to candidates, parties, and political action committees (PACs).
  • Campaign Finance: The rules and regulations governing the raising and spending of money in political campaigns, including restrictions on contributions and spending by candidates, political parties, and interest groups.
  • Capital Offense: A crime punishable by the death penalty.
  • Capital Punishment: Another term for the death penalty.
  • Capitalism: An economic system in which private individuals own and control the means of production, and production and distribution are driven by market forces and profit motives.
  • Caucus: A meeting of members of a political party or interest group, to nominate candidates, select delegates, or discuss policy issues.
  • Caucus: A meeting of members of a political party or legislative body to select candidates, discuss issues, or make decisions.
  • Caucus: A meeting of members of a political party, typically at the state or local level, to choose delegates and make recommendations for the party’s platform and candidate nominations.
  • Caucuses: A type of meeting used in some states to select delegates for the presidential nomination process or to select candidates for other political offices.
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): An agency within the HHS responsible for protecting public health and safety by preventing and controlling diseases, including infectious diseases and chronic diseases.
  • Central Intelligence Agency (CIA): An independent agency of the United States government responsible for gathering, analyzing, and disseminating intelligence information to senior US policymakers.
  • Challenger: A candidate running against an incumbent in an election.
  • Challenger: A candidate who is running against an incumbent in an election.
  • Checks and Balances: A system in which each branch of government can limit the power of the other branches in order to prevent abuses of power.
  • Checks and Balances: A system of government in which each branch of government has the power to limit the actions of the other branches, to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful.
  • Checks and Balances: The system in the US Constitution that allows each branch of government to limit the powers of the other branches, in order to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful.
  • Checks and Balances: The system of constraints and limitations built into the US government to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful, including the ability of each branch to veto or check the actions of the others.
  • Circuit Court: A federal appellate court that hears appeals from federal district courts within a geographic region.
  • Citizen Initiative: A process by which citizens can propose and enact laws or constitutional amendments through petition and popular vote.
  • Civil Liberties: Individual freedoms guaranteed by the Bill of Rights and other parts of the Constitution, such as freedom of speech, religion, and assembly.
  • Civil Liberties: Individual freedoms guaranteed by the US Constitution, such as freedom of speech, religion, and assembly.
  • Civil Liberties: Individual freedoms protected by the Constitution, such as freedom of speech, religion, and the press.
  • Civil Rights Act: A federal law enacted in 1964 that prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin in various areas of American life, including employment, housing, voting, and public accommodations. The Civil Rights Act was a major piece of legislation during the Civil Rights Movement and has been amended several times to expand its protections.
  • Civil Rights: Legal and constitutional guarantees of equal treatment and equal protection under the law, regardless of race, gender, religion, or other personal characteristics.
  • Civil Rights: Legal protections and equal treatment guaranteed by the Constitution and federal law, such as the right to vote, the right to equal treatment under the law, and the right to equal access to public accommodations.
  • Civil Service: The permanent, professional bureaucracy that provides administrative support to the government, including the armed services, foreign service, and other federal agencies.
  • Civil Trial: A legal proceeding in which a person or organization sues another person or organization to seek compensation for a harm or injury, or to enforce a contractual or legal obligation.
  • Closed Primary: A primary election in which only registered members of a political party can vote.
  • Closed Primary: A type of primary election in which only registered members of a political party may vote.
  • Cloture: A procedural motion used in the Senate to end a filibuster and bring a bill to a vote.
  • Cloture: A procedure used in the Senate to end a filibuster and bring a vote to the floor on a piece of legislation.
  • Cloture: A process used in the US Senate to end a filibuster and bring a debate to a close.
  • Cloture: The procedure used in the Senate to end a filibuster and bring a bill to a vote.
  • Collective Bargaining: The process in which workers negotiate with employers to determine wages, benefits, and working conditions.
  • Commerce Clause: A provision in Article I, Section 8 of the US Constitution that gives the federal government the power to regulate commerce between the states and with foreign nations.
  • Commerce Clause: A provision in the Constitution that gives the federal government the power to regulate commerce with foreign nations, among the states, and with Indian tribes.
  • Comptroller General: The head of the Government Accountability Office (GAO), an independent agency of the US government that provides auditing and investigative services to Congress. The Comptroller General is responsible for overseeing the work of the GAO and ensuring its independence and impartiality.
  • Concurring Opinion: An opinion written by a justice who agrees with the majority decision, but for different reasons.
  • Confederation: A system of government in which power is decentralized among multiple independent states.
  • Confirmation: The process by which the Senate approves or rejects a President’s nomination for a federal appointment.
  • Congressional Budget Office (CBO): A nonpartisan agency that provides budget and economic information to Congress.
  • Congressional Budget Office (CBO): An independent agency of the legislative branch of the government that provides nonpartisan analysis on budget and economic issues.
  • Congressional Budget Office (CBO): An independent agency of the US government that provides non-partisan analysis of economic and budget issues. The CBO is responsible for providing Congress with estimates of the cost of proposed legislation and other economic forecasts.
  • Congressional Budget Office (CBO): An independent agency within the legislative branch of the US government that provides budget and economic analysis to Congress.
  • Congressional District: A geographic area represented by a single member of the US House of Representatives.
  • Congressional District: A geographic area within a state represented by a single member of the U.S. House of Representatives.
  • Congressional District: A geographical area represented by a single member of the House of Representatives.
  • Congressional Oversight: The power of the US Congress to monitor and regulate the activities of the executive branch and other government agencies.
  • Congressional Record: The official record of the proceedings and debates of the US Congress.
  • Congressional Record: The official transcript of the proceedings of the US Congress.
  • Congressional Research Service (CRS): A research and analysis organization within the Library of Congress that provides nonpartisan policy research and analysis to Congress.
  • Congressional Research Service (CRS): An agency of the Library of Congress that provides research and analysis to members of Congress. The CRS provides nonpartisan, in-depth analysis on a wide range of policy issues, including economics, foreign policy, and law.
  • Congressional Research Service (CRS): An independent agency within the legislative branch of the US government that provides policy and legal analysis to Congress.
  • Congressional Research Service: A nonpartisan research arm of the US Congress, providing policy analysis and research support to members of Congress.
  • Congressman/Congresswoman: A member of the House of Representatives, one of the two chambers of the legislative branch.
  • Conservatism: A political ideology that emphasizes limited government, individual freedom, and traditional social and moral values.
  • Conservatism: A political ideology that emphasizes limited government, personal responsibility, and traditional values, and opposes government intervention in the economy and social issues.
  • Constituency: The group of individuals who a particular elected official represents and is accountable to.
  • Constitution: The supreme law of the United States, outlining the basic structure and powers of the federal government and the rights of citizens.
  • Constitution: The supreme law of the United States, which outlines the structure of the federal government, establishes the powers and responsibilities of the branches of government, and guarantees certain individual rights and protections.
  • Constitutional Amendment: A change to the US Constitution that can be proposed by a two-thirds vote of both houses of Congress or by a convention called for by two-thirds of the state legislatures, and must be ratified by three-fourths of the states.
  • Constitutional Amendment: A change to the US Constitution, which must be proposed by a two-thirds vote of both the House of Representatives and the Senate and ratified by three-fourths of the states.
  • Consumer Price Index (CPI): A measure of the average change over time in the prices paid by consumers for a basket of goods and services. The CPI is widely used as a measure of inflation and is used to make adjustments to Social Security benefits and other government programs.
  • Convention: A meeting of delegates from different states or organizations to discuss issues, draft agreements, or make decisions.
  • Convention: A meeting of delegates from each state in a political party, to nominate candidates, adopt party platforms, and conduct other party business.
  • Criminal Trial: A legal proceeding in which a person is charged with a crime and a jury or judge decides the guilt or innocence of the defendant.
  • Dark Money: Funds that are not disclosed to the public, and are used to support or oppose political candidates or causes.
  • Dark Money: Political spending by organizations that do not have to disclose their donors.
  • Death Penalty: The practice of executing convicted criminals, typically for serious crimes such as murder.
  • Debt: The total amount of money owed by the federal government.
  • Debt: The total amount of money owed by the government to its creditors, including bonds and other forms of borrowing.
  • Deficit: The amount by which federal government expenditures exceed revenues in a given year.
  • Deficit: The amount by which government spending exceeds revenue in a given period of time, leading to an increase in government debt.
  • Deficit: The amount by which spending exceeds revenue in a given fiscal year.
  • Deficit: The difference between the federal government’s spending and its revenue in a given year.
  • Deflation: A sustained decrease in the general price level of goods and services in an economy over a period of time.
  • Delegated Authority: The power given by the Constitution or by Congress to the executive branch to make rules and regulations.
  • Democratic Party: One of the two major political parties in the United States, characterized by support for progressive taxation, regulation of business and industry, and social welfare programs.
  • Department of Agriculture (USDA): A department of the federal government responsible for developing and executing federal policies related to agriculture, forestry, and food.
  • Department of Commerce: A department of the federal government responsible for promoting economic growth and job creation, and overseeing the nation’s census and economic statistics.
  • Department of Defense (DOD): A department of the federal government responsible for coordinating and supervising all agencies and functions of the government concerned directly with national security and the armed forces.
  • Department of Defense (DOD): A department of the federal government responsible for coordinating and supervising all agencies and functions of the government concerned directly with national security and the United States Armed Forces.
  • Department of Defense (DOD): A department of the federal government responsible for providing the military forces needed to deter war and protect the security of the United States.
  • Department of Defense (DOD): An executive branch agency responsible for providing military resources and support to the US government.
  • Department of Defense: The federal department responsible for coordinating and supervising all agencies and functions of the government concerned directly with national security and the U.S. military.
  • Department of Education: A department of the federal government responsible for promoting student achievement and ensuring equal access to educational opportunities, and for setting policies on federal financial aid for education.
  • Department of Education: An executive branch agency responsible for implementing federal education policy and managing federal student aid programs.
  • Department of Energy (DOE): A department of the federal government responsible for promoting energy security and protecting the environment through research and development of advanced energy technologies.
  • Department of Health and Human Services (HHS): A department of the federal government responsible for protecting the health of all Americans and providing essential human services, especially for those who are least able to help themselves.
  • Department of Health and Human Services (HHS): An executive branch agency responsible for implementing federal health and social welfare programs.
  • Department of Homeland Security (DHS): A department of the federal government responsible for ensuring the safety and security of the American people and the country from terrorist attacks, natural disasters, and other threats.
  • Department of Homeland Security (DHS): A department of the federal government responsible for ensuring the safety and security of the United States and its citizens.
  • Department of Homeland Security (DHS): A department of the federal government responsible for protecting the United States from terrorism, securing the country’s borders, and managing the country’s immigration system.
  • Department of Homeland Security (DHS): An executive branch agency responsible for protecting the US from terrorist attacks and managing immigration and border security.
  • Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD): A department of the federal government responsible for promoting homeownership and affordable housing, and for addressing community development and homelessness.
  • Department of Justice (DOJ): A department of the federal government responsible for enforcing the law and administering justice, and serving as the central legal advisor to the President and the executive branch.
  • Department of Justice (DOJ): A department of the federal government responsible for enforcing the law and defending the interests of the United States, and for providing legal advice to the President and the executive branch.
  • Department of Justice (DOJ): An executive branch agency responsible for enforcing federal law and representing the US government in legal matters.
  • Department of State (DOS): An executive branch agency responsible for conducting US foreign policy and representing the US government abroad.
  • Department of State: A department of the federal government responsible for conducting the foreign affairs of the United States, including diplomacy, foreign assistance, and cultural exchange programs.
  • Department of State: A department of the federal government responsible for the conduct of foreign relations and the promotion of American interests abroad.
  • Department of State: The federal department responsible for managing U.S. foreign affairs and diplomacy.
  • Department of the Air Force: A department within the DOD responsible for overseeing the Air Force branch of the United States Armed Forces.
  • Department of the Army: A department within the DOD responsible for overseeing the Army branch of the United States Armed Forces.
  • Department of the Interior (DOI): A department of the federal government responsible for managing and conserving the nation’s natural resources and cultural heritage, including national parks, wildlife refuges, and public lands.
  • Department of the Interior: A department of the federal government responsible for managing the country’s public lands and natural resources, and overseeing programs and initiatives related to American Indian and Alaska Native peoples.
  • Department of the Navy: A department within the DOD responsible for overseeing the Navy and Marine Corps branches of the United States Armed Forces.
  • Department of the Treasury: A department of the federal government responsible for managing the nation’s finances, including the production of currency, the collection of taxes, and the management of public debt.
  • Department of Treasury: An executive branch agency responsible for managing US financial resources, including tax collection and issuance of currency.
  • Deregulation: The reduction or elimination of government regulations in a particular industry or sector.
  • Deregulation: The removal or reduction of government regulations, with the goal of promoting competition and reducing barriers to entry for businesses.
  • Devolution: The transfer of power and authority from the federal government to state and local governments.
  • Direct Democracy: A system of government in which citizens directly participate in the decision-making process, rather than relying on elected representatives.
  • Direct Democracy: A system of government in which decisions are made directly by the citizens, rather than by elected representatives.
  • Discharge Petition: A procedure in the US House of Representatives that allows a bill to bypass the committee process and be brought to the floor for a vote if a majority of the members sign a petition.
  • Dissenting Opinion: An opinion written by a justice who disagrees with the majority decision in a Supreme Court case.
  • District Court: A federal trial court that hears cases arising under federal law and provides a forum for citizens to bring lawsuits against the federal government.
  • District: A geographic area that a particular elected official represents.
  • Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act: A federal law enacted in 2010 in response to the financial crisis of 2008. The Dodd-Frank Act implemented a number of reforms aimed at increasing financial stability and consumer protection, including enhanced regulation of the financial industry and the creation of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
  • Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA): A federal law enforcement agency within the DOJ responsible for enforcing drug laws and controlling the production, distribution, and use of illegal drugs.
  • Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA): An agency within the DOJ responsible for enforcing federal drug laws and combating drug trafficking.
  • Due Process: A principle of the Constitution that ensures individuals are protected from arbitrary or unjust government actions and that all legal proceedings are fair and impartial.
  • Early Voting: The process of allowing voters to cast their ballots before the official election day, either in person or by mail.
  • Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC): A federal tax credit for low-to-moderate income working individuals and families. The EITC is designed to encourage work and supplement the wages of low-income workers, and is one of the largest poverty-reduction programs in the United States.
  • Election Administration: The processes and procedures involved in conducting elections, including voter registration, ballot design, vote counting, and certification of results.
  • Election integrity: Measures taken to ensure the accuracy and transparency of the election process, such as the use of paper backups for electronic voting machines.
  • Electoral College: A body of electors who are chosen to formally elect the President and Vice President of the United States.
  • Electoral College: The institution that elects the President and Vice President of the United States, consisting of 538 electors from the states and the District of Columbia.
  • Electoral College: The system by which the President of the United States is elected, in which each state is allocated a number of electoral votes based on its population, and the candidate who wins the majority of electoral votes in a given state wins all of that state’s electoral votes.
  • Electoral College: The system established by the US Constitution for the election of the President and Vice President, in which each state is allocated a number of electors based on its representation in Congress, and the candidate who wins a majority of electoral votes in a state wins all of that state’s electoral votes.
  • Electoral College: The system used in the US to elect the president and vice president. Under this system, citizens cast their votes for electors, who then cast votes for president and vice president.
  • Entitlement Program: A government program that provides benefits to eligible individuals as a matter of right, rather than as a discretionary benefit that can be taken away at any time.
  • Entitlement Programs: Federal programs, such as Social Security and Medicare, that provide benefits to eligible citizens.
  • Entitlement Programs: Government programs, such as Social Security and Medicare, that provide benefits to eligible individuals based on eligibility criteria and not subject to annual appropriations.
  • Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): An independent agency of the federal government responsible for protecting human health and the environment by enforcing environmental laws and regulations.
  • Equal Protection Clause: A provision in the 14th Amendment to the Constitution that requires states to provide equal treatment under the law to all individuals, regardless of race, gender, or other personal characteristics.
  • Equal Protection Clause: A provision in the Fourteenth Amendment to the US Constitution that requires states to provide equal protection under the law to all people within their jurisdiction.
  • Establishment Clause: A provision in the First Amendment to the US Constitution that prohibits the establishment of a state religion by the federal government.
  • Executive Agreement: A binding agreement between the US government and a foreign government that does not require the advice and consent of the Senate.
  • Executive Agreement: An agreement between the US government and a foreign government that does not require the approval of the Senate and has the force of law.
  • Executive Agreement: An agreement between the US president and a foreign head of state that is binding under international law, but does not require the approval of the US Senate.
  • Executive Branch: The branch of government responsible for carrying out the laws and administering the policies of the government, including the President and Vice President, Cabinet members, and other executive agencies.
  • Executive Branch: The branch of government responsible for the administration and enforcement of federal laws and policies.
  • Executive Branch: The branch of the federal government responsible for enforcing laws and running the day-to-day operations of the government. The head of the executive branch is the President of the United States.
  • Executive Branch: The branch of the federal government that is responsible for implementing laws and carrying out the day-to-day business of the government, including the president and the executive departments.
  • Executive Branch: The branch of the US government responsible for executing the laws and managing the administration of the government.
  • Executive Order: A directive issued by the President of the United States that manages the operations of the federal government.
  • Executive Order: A directive issued by the president that has the force of law and can be used to direct the executive branch of government.
  • Executive Order: A directive issued by the President to federal agencies, with the force of law.
  • Executive Order: A directive issued by the US president that has the force of law and affects the operation of the executive branch.
  • Executive Order: A directive issued by the US president that has the force of law.
  • Executive Privilege: The power of the President to withhold information from Congress and the courts, on the basis of confidentiality or national security.
  • Expansion: A period of economic growth, characterized by rising gross domestic product (GDP), declining unemployment, and increasing business investment.
  • Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA): A federal law enacted in 1938 that establishes minimum wage and overtime pay requirements for covered employees and sets standards for child labor. The FLSA applies to most employers engaged in interstate commerce and sets minimum wage rates, requires employers to pay overtime to eligible employees, and restricts the employment of minors.
  • Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI): A federal law enforcement agency within the DOJ responsible for investigating violations of federal law and providing intelligence to support the nation’s security.
  • Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI): An agency within the DOJ responsible for investigating and enforcing federal laws, including organized crime, terrorism, and counterintelligence.
  • Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI): The principal investigative arm of the Department of Justice, responsible for enforcing federal law and investigating a wide range of criminal activity.
  • Federal Communications Commission (FCC): An independent agency of the federal government responsible for regulating interstate and international communications by radio, television, wire, satellite, and cable.
  • Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): An agency within the DHS responsible for coordinating the federal government’s response to natural and man-made disasters.
  • Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): An agency within the DHS responsible for coordinating the federal government’s response to natural disasters and other emergencies.
  • Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): An agency within the DHS responsible for coordinating the federal response to major disasters, including hurricanes, earthquakes, and terrorist attacks.
  • Federal Housing Administration (FHA): An agency within the HUD responsible for providing mortgage insurance to homebuyers, which helps make homeownership more accessible and affordable.
  • Federal Reserve System (Fed): The central banking system of the United States, responsible for implementing monetary policy and regulating the financial system. The Fed is composed of a Board of Governors, 12 regional Federal Reserve Banks, and numerous other entities.
  • Federal Reserve System (The Fed): The central banking system of the United States, responsible for implementing monetary policy and regulating banks.
  • Federal Reserve System: The central banking system of the United States responsible for implementing monetary policy.
  • Federal Reserve System: The central banking system of the United States, also known as the “Fed”.
  • Federal Reserve: The central banking system of the United States, responsible for setting monetary policy and regulating financial institutions.
  • Federalism: A system of government in which power is divided between a central authority and constituent political units, such as states or provinces.
  • Federalism: A system of government in which power is divided between a central authority and constituent political units. In the United States, power is divided between the federal government and the state governments.
  • Federalism: The division of power between the federal government and the state governments, with each having distinct and separate responsibilities and powers.
  • Federalism: The division of power between the federal government and the states in the US.
  • Federalism: The system of government in which power is divided between the federal government and the state governments, with each having distinct responsibilities and powers.
  • Fifth Amendment: A provision of the US Constitution that protects individuals from self-incrimination and double jeopardy, and provides other legal protections.
  • Fifth Amendment: One of the amendments to the US Constitution that guarantees, among other things, protection against self-incrimination and double jeopardy, and due process of law.
  • Filibuster: A procedural tactic used in the Senate to delay or block legislation by prolonging debate.
  • Filibuster: A tactic used by the minority party in the Senate to block or delay legislative action by speaking for an extended period of time.
  • Filibuster: A tactic used by the minority party in the US Senate to block legislation by talking for an extended period of time and preventing a vote from taking place.
  • Filibuster: A tactic used in the Senate to delay or prevent a vote on a piece of legislation by speaking for an extended period of time.
  • Filibuster: A tactic used in the US Senate to block a bill or nomination by talking it to death and preventing a vote from taking place.
  • Fiscal Financing: The practice of financing the government’s deficit by selling Treasury bonds, rather than by raising taxes.
  • Fiscal Policy: The policies and decisions of the government related to the budget and spending, including revenue collection, tax policy, and spending priorities.
  • Fiscal: A tax on imports or exports, typically used by governments to regulate trade and protect domestic industries.
  • Fiscal: The federal government’s budget for a fiscal year.
  • Fiscal: The federal government’s budget, which details its revenues, expenditures, and debts.
  • Fiscal: The process by which the federal government raises money by selling Treasury bonds to individuals, corporations, and foreign governments.
  • Flat Tax: A tax system in which everyone pays the same tax rate, regardless of their income.
  • Food and Drug Administration (FDA): An agency within the Department of Health and Human Services responsible for regulating food, drugs, cosmetics, and medical devices to protect the public health.
  • Foreign Direct Investment (FDI): Investment made by a foreign company in a foreign country, with the goal of establishing a lasting presence in the market.
  • Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA): A federal law enacted in 1978 that governs the interception of communications by foreign intelligence agencies and provides for the issuance of warrants for such interceptions in certain circumstances.
  • Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA): A federal law enacted in 1978 that governs the surveillance of foreign intelligence targets in the United States by U.S. intelligence agencies. FISA sets standards for the issuance of secret surveillance warrants and provides for judicial oversight of electronic surveillance activities by the government.
  • foreign policy: The approach taken by a nation in its dealings with other countries, including the use of diplomacy, economic sanctions, and military force.
  • Foreign Service: A career diplomatic corps within the Department of State, responsible for representing the United States abroad and carrying out foreign policy.
  • Fourteenth Amendment: One of the amendments to the US Constitution that, among other things, guarantees equal protection under the law to all citizens.
  • Free Exercise Clause: A provision in the First Amendment to the US Constitution that guarantees the right of individuals to practice their religion freely without government interference.
  • Free Market Economy: An economic system in which individuals and businesses are free to make economic decisions, such as buying and selling goods and services, without government intervention.
  • Free Market: An economic system in which prices, production, and distribution are determined by supply and demand, without significant government intervention.
  • Free Trade Agreement: An agreement between two or more countries to reduce or eliminate trade barriers, such as tariffs and quotas, with the goal of increasing trade and economic cooperation.
  • Freedom of Information Act (FOIA): A federal law enacted in 1966 that provides the public with the right to access federal agency records, subject to certain exemptions. FOIA allows individuals to request information from federal agencies and requires agencies to disclose records unless they are exempt from disclosure under specific provisions of the law.
  • General Accounting Office (GAO): An independent agency within the legislative branch of the US government that provides audit, evaluation, and investigative services to Congress.
  • General Election: The election held to determine the winner of a political office, typically held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November in even-numbered years.
  • Gerrymandering: The manipulation of congressional district boundaries for political advantage, often by creating districts that are designed to benefit one political party or group.
  • Gerrymandering: The manipulation of electoral district boundaries for political gain.
  • Gerrymandering: The manipulation of electoral district boundaries in order to advantage one political party or group.
  • Gerrymandering: The manipulation of the boundaries of a political district in order to benefit one political party or group.
  • Gerrymandering: The manipulation of the boundaries of electoral districts in order to give one political party an advantage over another.
  • Gerrymandering: The practice of drawing political boundaries in such a way as to give an advantage to one political party or to dilute the voting strength of a minority group.
  • Gerrymandering: The practice of manipulating the boundaries of electoral districts in order to give a political advantage to one party or group.
  • Globalization: The increasing interconnectedness and integration of economies, societies, and cultures across the world, driven by advances in transportation, communication, and technology.
  • Globalization: The integration of economies, societies, and cultures through the increasing flow of goods, services, information, and people across national borders.
  • Government Accountability Office (GAO): An independent agency of the legislative branch that provides auditing and investigative services for Congress.
  • Grand Jury: A group of citizens who hear evidence presented by the prosecution in a criminal case and decide whether there is sufficient evidence to bring the defendant to trial.
  • Grand Jury: A group of individuals who hear evidence presented by the prosecution and decide whether there is sufficient evidence to bring charges against a defendant.
  • Grassroots Campaign: A political campaign that relies on grass-roots support and mobilization, rather than top-down organizational structure and centralized control.
  • Gross Domestic Product (GDP): A measure of the total value of goods and services produced by a country in a given period.
  • Gross Domestic Product (GDP): The total value of goods and services produced in a country in a given year.
  • Gross Domestic Product (GDP): The total value of goods and services produced within a country’s borders in a given time period. GDP is widely used as a measure of a country’s economic output and is considered to be one of the most comprehensive measures of an economy’s health.
  • Gross National Product (GNP): The total value of goods and services produced by a country’s residents, regardless of where they are located.
  • Gun Control: The regulation of the sale, ownership, and use of firearms, including restrictions on who can own guns, what types of guns can be owned, and where and how they can be used.
  • Habeas Corpus: A legal action that requires a person under arrest to be brought before a court or judge, especially to ensure that the individual’s detention is lawful.
  • Hard Money: Funds that are subject to federal campaign finance laws, and must be used for specific campaign purposes.
  • Hard Money: Political contributions that are subject to federal limits and must be used for specific candidates or campaigns.
  • Here are some more terms and definitions:
  • Homeland Security Act: A federal law enacted in 2002 in response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks. The Homeland Security Act created the Department of Homeland Security and consolidated a number of existing federal agencies and programs related to national security and emergency preparedness.
  • Homeland Security: A federal department responsible for ensuring the safety and security of the United States and its citizens.
  • Ideology: A set of beliefs and values that shape a person’s political views and opinions.
  • Impeachment: A process in the US Congress in which the House of Representatives votes to bring charges against a public official, such as the president or a federal judge, and the Senate holds a trial to determine whether the official should be removed from office.
  • Impeachment: A process in the US Constitution that allows for the removal of a federal official, including the President, from office for “high crimes and misdemeanors.”
  • Impeachment: A process in which a public official is charged with misconduct in office and subjected to a trial by the legislative branch.
  • Impeachment: The process by which the House of Representatives can bring charges against the President, Vice President, or other federal officials for high crimes and misdemeanors.
  • Impeachment: The process by which the House of Representatives can charge a government official, such as the president, with “high crimes and misdemeanors” and potentially remove them from office.
  • Impeachment: The process by which the legislative branch can remove the President, Vice President, or other federal officials from office for “high crimes and misdemeanors.”
  • Impeachment: The process by which the US House of Representatives can bring formal charges against a public official, such as the president, for high crimes and misdemeanors.
  • Impeachment: The process of bringing formal charges against a public official, such as the President, for high crimes and misdemeanors.
  • Income Tax: A tax levied on the income of individuals, corporations, and other entities.
  • Incumbent: A candidate who is already holding the office sought in an election.
  • Incumbent: A current officeholder seeking re-election.
  • Indictment: A formal accusation by a grand jury that a person has committed a crime.
  • Inflation: A sustained increase in the general price level of goods and services in an economy over a period of time.
  • Initiative: A process by which citizens can propose a law or constitutional amendment, gather signatures to place it on the ballot, and then vote on it.
  • Injunction: A court order that requires a person or government to do or not do something.
  • Institute of Education Sciences (IES): A research arm of the Department of Education responsible for conducting and supporting research on education.
  • Intelligence Community: A group of 17 federal agencies and departments responsible for collecting, analyzing, and disseminating intelligence information for national security purposes. The Intelligence Community includes agencies such as the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), the National Security Agency (NSA), and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
  • Interest Group: An organization that seeks to influence government policy on behalf of its members or a particular issue.
  • Interest Group: An organization that seeks to influence public policy by advocating for a particular issue or cause, such as environmental protection, consumer rights, or business interests.
  • Interest Group: An organized group of individuals or organizations that lobbies the government on behalf of a common interest or cause.
  • Interest Group: An organized group of individuals who share common goals or interests and attempt to influence government policy to further those goals.
  • Interest Group: An organized group of people with a shared interest or goal, who seek to influence government policy on a specific issue.
  • Internal Revenue Service (IRS): An agency within the Department of the Treasury responsible for enforcing the tax laws and collecting federal taxes.
  • International Monetary Fund (IMF): A global organization that provides loans and technical assistance to countries facing economic difficulties, with the goal of promoting international economic stability and growth.
  • Joint Chiefs of Staff: The highest-ranking military officers in the United States Armed Forces, responsible for providing military advice to the President, the Secretary of Defense, and the National Security Council.
  • Joint Chiefs of Staff: The highest-ranking military officers in the United States, responsible for providing military advice to the President, the Secretary of Defense, and the National Security Council.
  • Judicial Branch: The branch of government responsible for interpreting the law and resolving disputes, including the Supreme Court and other federal courts.
  • Judicial Branch: The branch of the US government responsible for interpreting the laws and upholding the Constitution.
  • Judicial Review: The power of the courts to
  • Judicial Review: The power of the courts to declare laws or government actions unconstitutional.
  • Judiciary Branch: The branch of government responsible for interpreting the Constitution and federal laws, and for resolving disputes through the court system.
  • Judiciary Branch: The branch of the federal government responsible for interpreting laws and resolving legal disputes. The Supreme Court is the highest court in the US.
  • Jury: A group of individuals selected from the community to hear evidence and decide questions of fact in a legal case.
  • Keynesian Economics: An economic theory that emphasizes the role of government intervention and investment in stabilizing the economy and reducing unemployment.
  • Legislative Branch: The branch of government responsible for making the laws, including the Senate and the House of Representatives.
  • Legislative Branch: The branch of the federal government responsible for making laws. It consists of the Senate and the House of Representatives.
  • Legislative Branch: The branch of the US government responsible for making the laws.
  • Legislative Oversight: The process by which the legislative branch monitors and reviews the actions of the executive branch.
  • Liberalism: A political ideology that emphasizes individual freedom, equality, and social justice, and seeks to address economic and social inequalities through government intervention.
  • Liberalism: A political ideology that emphasizes individual rights, equality, and government intervention in the economy and society.
  • Libertarianism: A political ideology that advocates for limited government, individual freedom, and free-market capitalism.
  • Lifetime Appointment: An appointment to a federal judicial or executive branch position that lasts for the duration of the appointee’s life, subject to good behavior.
  • Line-Item Veto: A veto power that allows the US president to reject specific provisions of a bill, rather than vetoing the entire bill.
  • Lobbying: The act of attempting to influence decisions made by government officials, especially legislators, by private interest groups or individuals.
  • Lobbying: The act of attempting to influence decisions made by government officials, typically by private interest groups or corporations.
  • Lobbying: The act of attempting to influence legislation on behalf of a particular interest group, such as a corporation or a non-profit organization.
  • Lobbying: The act of attempting to influence legislation or administrative action on behalf of a particular interest group.
  • Lobbying: The act of attempting to influence legislation, policy, and government decision-making through direct communication with elected officials and their staff.
  • Lobbyist: An individual or organization that engages in lobbying activities, with the goal of influencing government policy or legislation.
  • Lobbyist: An individual or organization that seeks to influence legislation and public policy on behalf of a particular interest group.
  • lobbyist: An individual or organization that tries to influence legislation on behalf of a particular interest group.
  • Lobbyist: An individual who works to influence government policy on behalf of a particular interest group or organization.
  • Majority Leader: A position in the US Senate and House of Representatives that is held by the leader of the majority political party in each chamber. The Majority Leader is responsible for managing the legislative agenda and working with the members of their party to pass legislation.
  • Majority Leader: The leader of the majority party in the US Senate or House of Representatives.
  • Majority Leader: The leader of the majority party in the US Senate or the US House of Representatives.
  • Majority Opinion: The opinion of the majority of the justices in a Supreme Court case, which becomes the binding decision of the court.
  • Majority Rule: The principle that decisions in a democratic system are made based on the will of the majority of the people.
  • Medicaid: A joint federal and state program that provides health insurance to eligible low-income individuals and families.
  • Medicaid: A joint federal and state program that provides medical assistance to eligible low-income individuals and families.
  • Medicare: A federal health insurance program for people who are 65 or older, certain younger people with disabilities, and people with End-Stage Renal Disease.
  • Medicare: A federal program that provides health insurance to eligible citizens over the age of 65 or to those with certain disabilities.
  • Minority Leader: A position in the US Senate and House of Representatives that is held by the leader of the minority political party in each chamber. The Minority Leader serves as a spokesperson for their party and works to oppose the policies and legislation of the majority party.
  • Minority Leader: The leader of the minority party in the US Senate or House of Representatives.
  • Minority Leader: The leader of the minority party in the US Senate or the US House of Representatives.
  • Minority Rights: Legal and constitutional guarantees that protect the rights and interests of minority groups, such as racial and ethnic minorities, women, and members of the LGBTQ+ community.
  • Miranda Rights: The right to remain silent and the right to an attorney, as outlined in the landmark US Supreme Court case Miranda v. Arizona.
  • Monarchy: A system of government in which a king or queen has absolute power over the state and its citizens.
  • Monetary Policy: The actions and decisions of a central bank, such as the Federal Reserve, that control the supply of money and interest rates, with the goal of promoting economic stability and growth.
  • Monetary Policy: The actions taken by a central bank, such as the Federal Reserve, to control the money supply and interest rates in an economy.
  • Monetary Policy: The actions taken by the Federal Reserve to regulate the money supply and interest rates, with the goal of achieving stable prices and full employment.
  • Multinational Corporation: A large corporation that operates in multiple countries, often with the goal of reducing costs and increasing profits by taking advantage of differences in labor, raw materials, and regulations.
  • National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA): A federal agency responsible for the civilian space program and aeronautics research. NASA was established in 1958 and is responsible for the development and operation of the Space Shuttle, the International Space Station, and a range of other space missions and scientific research programs.
  • National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA): An independent agency of the federal government responsible for the civilian space program and aeronautics research.
  • National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP): A program within the Department of Education responsible for conducting periodic assessments of student achievement in various subject areas.
  • National Debt: The total amount of money owed by the federal government to its creditors, including bonds, notes, and other forms of borrowing. The national debt is one of the key indicators of the federal government’s fiscal health and has been a subject of ongoing debate in the U.S. political arena.
  • national debt: The total amount of money owed by the federal government to its creditors.
  • National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA): A federal law enacted annually that authorizes the funding of the Department of Defense and the national security programs of the United States. The NDAA sets policies and priorities for the defense budget, authorizes military personnel levels, and establishes procurement and research and development programs for the Department of Defense.
  • National Endowment for the Arts (NEA): A federal agency established in 1965 that provides funding and support for the arts in the United States. The NEA supports a wide range of artistic and cultural activities, including individual artists, nonprofit organizations, and cultural institutions.
  • National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH): A federal agency established in 1965 that provides funding and support for the humanities in the United States. The NEH supports research, education, and public programs in fields such as history, literature, philosophy, and archaeology, among others.
  • National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST): An agency within the Commerce Department responsible for promoting innovation and industrial competitiveness by advancing measurement science, standards, and technology.
  • National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST): An agency within the Department of Commerce responsible for promoting innovation and industrial competitiveness by advancing measurement science, standards, and technology.
  • National Institutes of Health (NIH): An agency within the HHS responsible for conducting and supporting medical research, including research on cancer, heart disease, and mental health.
  • National Labor Relations Board (NLRB): An independent federal agency responsible for enforcing the National Labor Relations Act, which governs relations between unions and employers. The NLRB conducts elections to determine whether employees wish to be represented by a union, investigates and remedies unfair labor practices, and mediates disputes between unions and employers.
  • National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA): An agency within the Commerce Department responsible for studying and conserving the oceans, coasts, and atmosphere, and providing weather forecasts and warnings.
  • National Park Service (NPS): A federal agency responsible for managing and preserving the national parks and monuments in the United States. The National Park Service was established in 1916 and is responsible for the protection and preservation of over 84 million acres of natural, cultural, and historic resources, including sites such as Yellowstone National Park, the Grand Canyon, and Mount Rushmore.
  • National Park Service (NPS): An agency within the DOI responsible for protecting and preserving the natural, cultural, and historical resources of the nation’s national parks, including Yosemite, Yellowstone, and the Grand Canyon.
  • National Park Service (NPS): An agency within the Interior Department responsible for preserving and protecting the natural and cultural resources of the national park system.
  • National Security Agency (NSA): A U.S. intelligence agency responsible for signals intelligence and information security. The NSA is responsible for the collection, analysis, and dissemination of foreign signals intelligence information and for the protection of U.S. government communications and information systems. The NSA operates under the authority of the Department of Defense and is widely regarded as one of the largest and most technologically advanced intelligence agencies in the world.
  • National Security Agency (NSA): An intelligence organization within the Department of Defense responsible for signals intelligence and information security.
  • National Security Council (NSC): An agency within the executive branch of the US government that advises the president on foreign policy and national security issues.
  • National Security: Measures taken by a government to protect its citizens and interests from foreign threats, such as terrorism and military aggression.
  • Nomination: The process by which a President selects a candidate for a federal judicial or executive branch appointment.
  • North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO): An international military alliance of North American and European countries committed to collective defense and the preservation of peace and security.
  • Oath of Office: A formal promise made by elected officials and government employees to uphold the Constitution and perform their duties to the best of their abilities.
  • Office of Civil Rights (OCR): A division within the Department of Education responsible for enforcing federal civil rights laws that prohibit discrimination in education on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, and age.
  • Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE): A division within the DOE responsible for promoting energy efficiency and renewable energy, including solar, wind, and bioenergy technologies.
  • Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity (FHEO): An office within the HUD responsible for enforcing federal fair housing laws that prohibit discrimination in housing on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, and familial status.
  • Office of Fossil Energy: A division within the DOE responsible for promoting the development and use of clean, efficient, and reliable energy from fossil fuels, including natural gas and coal.
  • Office of Management and Budget (OMB): A federal agency within the Executive Office of the President that is responsible for the preparation and execution of the federal budget. The OMB also provides advice to the president on a range of budget, management, and regulatory issues and is responsible for the coordination of policy development across the executive branch.
  • Office of Management and Budget (OMB): An agency within the executive branch of the US government that prepares the federal budget and supervises the administration of federal programs.
  • Office of Management and Budget (OMB): An agency within the Executive Office of the President responsible for overseeing the federal budget process and providing budget and policy analysis and advice to the President. The OMB is a key player in the development and implementation of the President’s budget and is responsible for implementing the President’s priorities through the federal budget process.
  • Office of Management and Budget (OMB): An office within the Executive Office of the President that helps the President prepare the federal budget, supervise the administration of federal agencies, and implement federal laws.
  • Office of Nuclear Energy: A division within the DOE responsible for overseeing the development of advanced nuclear technologies, including nuclear power plants and advanced reactors.
  • Ombudsman: An official appointed to investigate complaints and represent the interests of citizens in dealing with the government.
  • Omnibus Bill: A bill that contains multiple separate provisions or appropriations, often used as a way to package multiple items of legislation into a single bill.
  • Open Primary: A primary election in which any eligible voter, regardless of party affiliation, can vote.
  • Open Primary: A type of primary election in which any registered voter, regardless of party affiliation, may vote.
  • Original Jurisdiction: The power of a court to hear a case for the first time, rather than reviewing a decision made by a lower court.
  • Override: A two-thirds vote of both houses of Congress to override a veto by the US president.
  • Parliamentary System: A system of government in which the executive branch is accountable to the legislative branch, and can be removed from power by a vote of no confidence.
  • Party Platform: A statement of the positions and beliefs of a political party, typically adopted at the party’s national convention.
  • Patriot Act: A federal law enacted in the aftermath of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, aimed at strengthening the ability of law enforcement and intelligence agencies to detect and prevent terrorism. The Patriot Act expanded the government’s surveillance and law enforcement powers, including the authority to conduct roving wiretaps, access business records, and detain non-citizens suspected of terrorism.
  • Patriot Act: A law passed by the US Congress in response to the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, which expands the powers of law enforcement and intelligence agencies in the pursuit of national security.
  • Peace Corps: A federal agency established in 1961 that provides volunteer opportunities for American citizens to serve in developing countries around the world. Peace Corps volunteers work on a range of projects, including health and education programs, community development initiatives, and environmental conservation efforts.
  • Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC): A federal agency that provides insurance to protect the pensions of workers in private sector pension plans. The PBGC is responsible for paying benefits to participants in pension plans that have become insolvent and is funded through insurance premiums paid by pension plan sponsors.
  • Plank: A specific policy proposal or statement of principle in a political party’s platform.
  • Platform: A document that outlines the policies and positions of a political party on various issues.
  • Plea Bargain: An agreement between a defendant and a prosecutor in which the defendant pleads guilty to a lesser charge in exchange for a more lenient sentence.
  • Plea Bargain: An agreement between a defendant and the prosecution in which the defendant pleads guilty to a lesser charge in exchange for a reduced sentence or a promise not to bring additional charges.
  • Pocket Veto: The power of the president to kill a bill by simply not signing it within a certain time period after it has been passed by Congress.
  • Pocket Veto: The power of the President to veto a bill by taking no action, allowing it to die automatically after 10 days, excluding Sundays.
  • Political Action Committee (PAC): A type of organization that raises and spends money to influence elections and promote specific issues or candidates.
  • Political Action Committee (PAC): A type of organization that raises and spends money to influence elections.
  • Political Action Committee (PAC): An organization formed to raise and spend money to influence elections and promote a political agenda.
  • Political Action Committee (PAC): An organization that raises and spends money to influence elections, typically by supporting or opposing specific candidates or issues.
  • Political Action Committee (PAC): An organization that raises and spends money to support or oppose political candidates or causes.
  • Political Action Committee (PAC): An organization that raises and spends money to support political candidates and causes, often in support of a particular industry or interest group.
  • Political Party: An organized group of people with similar political views and policies, who work together to elect their candidates to public office.
  • Political Platform: A statement of the political beliefs, goals, and policies of a political party or candidate.
  • Political Spectrum: A way of describing the different political ideologies, from left to right, including liberalism, conservatism, socialism, and libertarianism.
  • Polling: The practice of surveying public opinion on a particular issue or candidate, in order to gauge the likely outcome of an election or referendum.
  • Populism: A political movement that seeks to represent the interests of ordinary people against perceived elitism or corruption in government or politics.
  • Pork Barrel Spending: The allocation of government funds to a particular project or program for the benefit of a specific geographic area or special interest group, often for political gain.
  • pork barrel spending: The allocation of government resources or funding for projects or programs that primarily benefit the constituents of a particular politician or area, rather than serving a national interest.
  • Pork Barrel Spending: The practice of directing government funds to specific projects or programs in order to gain support from constituents or special interest groups.
  • Precedent: A previous judicial decision that provides guidance or authority for subsequent cases with similar facts or legal issues.
  • Precedent: A previous judicial decision that serves as a guide or authority in subsequent cases with similar issues.
  • Precedent: A previous legal decision that is used as an authority for subsequent similar cases.
  • Precinct: The smallest electoral district, typically consisting of a few city blocks or rural areas, within a larger political district.
  • Preemption: The power of the federal government to override state laws and regulations in areas that are specifically within its jurisdiction.
  • Presidential Election: The election held every four years to choose the President and Vice President of the United States.
  • Presidential Pardon: The power of the president to grant a formal remission of punishment for a federal crime.
  • Presidential Proclamation: An official announcement issued by the US president.
  • Pressure Group: Another term for an interest group, emphasizing the goal of exerting pressure on government officials to achieve a specific policy outcome.
  • Primaries: An election held to select the candidates who will represent a political party in a general election.
  • Primary Election: An election held by political parties to choose their nominee for the general election.
  • Primary Election: An election in which voters of a political party nominate their preferred candidate for a particular office.
  • Privacy Act of 1974: A federal law that governs the collection, storage, and use of personal information by the federal government. The Privacy Act sets limits on the collection and disclosure of personal information by federal agencies and provides individuals with certain rights to access and control their personal information held by the government.
  • Privatization: The transfer of ownership of a government-owned asset or service to the private sector.
  • Progressive Tax: A tax system in which tax rates increase as income increases, with the goal of achieving greater equality and reducing income inequality.
  • Progressive Tax: A tax system in which the tax rate increases as the amount of income subject to taxation increases.
  • Property Rights: The legal and constitutional protection of an individual’s ownership and control over their property, such as land, buildings, and personal possessions.
  • Protectionism: A political and economic policy that seeks to protect domestic industries and jobs through trade barriers, tariffs, and quotas.
  • Protectionism: The use of trade barriers, such as tariffs and quotas, to protect domestic industries from foreign competition.
  • Public Administration: Government policies and programs by the executive branch of the government. It involves the management of public resources, including personnel, budgeting, and policy formulation and implementation. Public administration is carried out by various levels of government, including federal, state, and local governments. The purpose of public administration is to serve the public interest and ensure the efficient and effective delivery of government services.
  • Public Goods: Goods or services provided by the government for the benefit of the public, such as roads, parks, and national defense.
  • Public Interest Group: An interest group that seeks to promote the general welfare, rather than the interests of a particular industry or special interest.
  • Public Policy: The course of action or inaction taken by the government in response to a particular issue or problem.
  • Public Policy: The course of action taken by the government in response to a particular issue or problem, typically reflecting the values and priorities of the society as a whole.
  • Public Policy: The decisions made by government that affect the lives of citizens and set the direction for future policies and programs.
  • Quota: A limit on the amount of a particular good that can be imported or exported, typically used to protect domestic industries.
  • Ratification: The process by which a proposed amendment to the US Constitution is approved by the states and becomes part of the Constitution.
  • Recall Election: A process by which voters can remove an elected official from office before their term has ended.
  • Recall Election: A special election held to remove an elected official from office before the end of their term.
  • Recall: A process by which citizens can petition to remove an elected official from office before the end of his or her term.
  • Recession: A period of economic contraction, characterized by declining gross domestic product (GDP), rising unemployment, and declining business investment.
  • Reconciliation: A legislative process in the US Congress that allows for fast-track consideration of bills related to federal spending and taxation.
  • Red state: A state that reliably votes for the Republican Party in presidential elections.
  • Redistricting: The process of redrawing electoral district boundaries, typically after the completion of the decennial census.
  • Redistricting: The process of redrawing the boundaries of congressional districts after each census, in order to ensure equal representation based on population changes.
  • Redistricting: The process of redrawing the boundaries of electoral districts, typically after the census, in order to ensure equal representation in the U.S. House of Representatives.
  • Redistricting: The process of redrawing the boundaries of political districts to reflect changes in population.
  • Redistricting: The process of redrawing the boundaries of voting districts in order to balance the populations within each district and ensure equal representation.
  • Referendum: A direct vote by the citizens on a specific issue or law.
  • Referendum: A direct vote by the people on a specific proposal, such as a law or constitutional amendment.
  • Referendum: A direct vote by the people on a specific question or proposal, such as a constitutional amendment or a state initiative.
  • Referendum: A vote by the people on a specific issue or piece of legislation.
  • Regressive Tax: A tax system in which tax rates decrease as income increases. It takes a more significant percentage of income from lower-income individuals than from higher-income individuals.
  • Regulation: A rule or guideline established by the government to control or regulate a particular industry, activity, or behavior.
  • Regulations: Rules and guidelines issued by government agencies to implement laws and carry out their responsibilities.
  • Regulatory Agency: A government agency that is responsible for enforcing laws and regulations in a specific area, such as the Environmental Protection Agency or the Federal Communications Commission.
  • Removal from Office: The final step in the impeachment process, in which a public official is removed from office as a result of a conviction in the Senate.
  • Representation: The principle that elected officials should reflect the views and interests of their constituents.
  • Representation: The process by which citizens elect individuals to serve as their representatives and make decisions on their behalf in government.
  • Representative Democracy: A system of government in which citizens elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf.
  • Republican Party: One of the two major political parties in the United States, characterized by support for limited government, low taxes, and a market-oriented economy.
  • Right to Bear Arms: A constitutional right guaranteed by the Second Amendment to the US Constitution, protecting the individual right to own and carry firearms.
  • Right to Bear Arms: A constitutional right guaranteed by the Second Amendment, which protects the individual right to keep and bear firearms for lawful purposes, such as self-defense.
  • Search and Seizure: The power of the government to search individuals, their property, or their homes, and to seize evidence or contraband, subject to limitations imposed by the Fourth Amendment.
  • Search Warrant: A warrant that authorizes a law enforcement officer to search a specific location for evidence related to a crime.
  • Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC): A federal agency responsible for regulating the securities markets and protecting investors. The SEC is responsible for enforcing federal securities laws, regulating the securities industry, and overseeing the issuance and trading of securities.
  • Select Committee: A temporary committee in the US Congress established for a specific purpose or to consider a specific issue.
  • Senate Majority Whip: A position in the US Senate that is held by a member of the majority party and is responsible for counting votes and ensuring that members of their party are in attendance for important votes.
  • Senate Minority Whip: A position in the US Senate that is held by a member of the minority party and is responsible for counting votes and ensuring that members of their party are in attendance for important votes.
  • Senator: A member of the Senate, one of the two chambers of the legislative branch.
  • Senatorial District: A geographic area within a state represented by two members of the U.S. Senate.
  • Separation of Church and State: The principle that the government must remain neutral with respect to religious beliefs and practices, and that individuals are free to practice the religion of their choice.
  • Separation of Powers: A principle of government that divides the powers of government among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches, to ensure checks and balances and prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful.
  • Separation of Powers: The division of government authority into separate branches, with each branch having its own distinct responsibilities and powers. In the United States, the three branches of government are the executive, legislative, and judiciary branches.
  • Separation of Powers: The division of powers and responsibilities between different branches of government, including the legislative, executive, and judicial branches.
  • Separation of Powers: The division of the powers of government among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches, as established by the US Constitution.
  • Separation of Powers: The division of the powers of government among three branches – the legislative, executive, and judicial branches – in order to prevent the concentration of power in a single entity.
  • Separation of Powers: The principle in the US Constitution that divides the powers of government among the legislative, executive, and judiciary branches.
  • Separation of Powers: The principle under which the powers of government are divided among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches, in order to prevent the concentration of power in a single branch.
  • Sequester: Automatic across-the-board spending cuts that occur as a result of a failure to reach a budget agreement between the President and Congress.
  • Sixth Amendment: A provision of the US Constitution that guarantees the right to a fair trial, including the right to an impartial jury, the right to counsel, and the right to confront witnesses.
  • Social Safety Net: A collection of government programs designed to provide assistance to those in need, such as unemployment insurance, food stamps, and Medicaid.
  • Social Safety Net: A set of government programs and services designed to provide assistance to those in need, including low-income individuals, families, and children.
  • Social Security Act: A federal law enacted in 1935 that established a national social insurance program in the United States. The Social Security Act provides benefits to eligible individuals, including retired workers and their families, disabled workers and their families, and surviving spouses and children of deceased workers. The Social Security Act also established the Medicare program, which provides health insurance coverage to eligible individuals over the age of 65.
  • Social Security Administration (SSA): A federal agency responsible for administering the Social Security program, which provides benefits to eligible workers and their families. The SSA also administers the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program, which provides financial assistance to individuals who are aged, blind, or disabled.
  • Social Security: A federal insurance program that provides retirement, disability, and survivor benefits to eligible workers and their dependents. Social Security is funded through payroll taxes paid by workers and their employers and is one of the largest and most important programs in the U.S. social welfare system.
  • Social Security: A federal insurance program that provides retirement, disability, and survivors’ benefits to eligible workers and their dependents.
  • Social Security: A federal program that provides benefits to eligible citizens in the event of retirement, disability, or death.
  • social welfare programs: Government-funded programs designed to provide assistance to individuals and families in need, such as food stamps, Medicaid, and Social Security.
  • Socialism: A political ideology that advocates for government ownership and control of the means of production and distribution of goods and services, with the goal of achieving greater equality and social justice.
  • Socialism: A political ideology that seeks to abolish private ownership of the means of production and replace it with collective ownership and control, with the goal of achieving greater economic and social equality.
  • Soft Money: Funds that are not subject to federal campaign finance laws, and can be used for party-building activities or issue advocacy.
  • Soft Money: Political contributions that are not subject to federal limits and are intended for party-building activities, such as voter registration drives, rather than for specific candidates.
  • Solicitor General: The third-ranking official in the US Department of Justice, responsible for representing the US government before the US Supreme Court.
  • Sovereign Immunity: The principle that the government and its officials cannot be sued without their consent.
  • Speaker of the House: The highest-ranking official in the US House of Representatives. The Speaker is elected by the members of the House and is responsible for maintaining order during debates and supervising the legislative process.
  • Speaker of the House: The leader of the US House of Representatives, elected by the members of the House.
  • Standing Committee: A permanent committee in the US Congress with ongoing responsibilities for a specific area of policy or jurisdiction, such as the Committee on Foreign Affairs or the Committee on Appropriations.
  • Stare Decisis: A legal principle that requires courts to follow previous precedents and decisions, in order to ensure consistency and stability in the law.
  • Stare Decisis: The principle of following established precedents in judicial decision-making.
  • stare decisis: The principle that courts should follow established legal precedents when making decisions.
  • State Department: A federal agency responsible for managing the country’s foreign affairs and representing the United States abroad. The State Department is responsible for the formulation and implementation of U.S. foreign policy, negotiating treaties and agreements with other countries, and providing consular services to American citizens traveling abroad.
  • State of the Union Address: An annual speech given by the US president to a joint session of Congress, outlining the president’s legislative agenda and priorities for the coming year.
  • Subsidy: A financial support provided by the government to an individual or business, typically in the form of direct payments, tax breaks, or low-interest loans.
  • Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): An agency within the HHS responsible for improving behavioral health through evidence-based practices and promoting access to mental health and substance abuse treatment.
  • Super PAC: A type of political action committee that can accept unlimited contributions from individuals, corporations, and unions, but must operate independently of political candidates and campaigns.
  • Super PAC: An independent political action committee that can accept unlimited contributions from individuals, corporations, and unions, but cannot directly donate to candidates or political parties.
  • Super PAC: An independent political action committee that is not subject to federal contribution
  • Supply-Side Economics: An economic theory that emphasizes the importance of tax cuts and other incentives to stimulate economic growth and job creation, primarily through increased private investment.
  • Supreme Court: The highest court in the United States and the final court of appeal for all federal and state court cases. The Supreme Court is composed of nine justices, who are nominated by the President and confirmed by the Senate, and has the power to interpret the Constitution and determine the constitutionality of federal and state laws.
  • Supreme Court: The highest court in the United States, consisting of nine justices appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate. The Supreme Court has the power to hear appeals of federal and state court cases and has the final say on the interpretation of the Constitution and federal law.
  • Supreme Court: The highest court in the United States, responsible for interpreting the Constitution and making decisions that set legal precedent for lower courts to follow.
  • Supreme Court: The highest court in the United States, responsible for interpreting the Constitution and resolving disputes between states or between individuals and the government.
  • Supreme Court: The highest court in the United States, with the power of judicial review to determine the constitutionality of federal and state laws.
  • Supreme Court: The highest court in the United States, with the power to interpret the Constitution and make decisions that are binding on all other courts.
  • Supreme Court: The highest court in the United States, with the power to interpret the Constitution and to declare laws and government actions unconstitutional.
  • Supreme Court: The highest court in the US, composed of nine justices who hear appeals from lower federal and state courts and interpret the US Constitution.
  • Supreme Court: The highest court in the US, consisting of nine justices who interpret the Constitution and make binding decisions on the law.
  • Supreme Court: The highest court in the US, with the power of judicial review, which allows it to declare laws and executive actions unconstitutional.
  • Supreme Law: The highest law of the land, including the US Constitution and federal laws and treaties.
  • Surplus: A situation in which the federal government’s revenue is greater than its spending in a given year.
  • Surplus: The amount by which government revenue exceeds spending in a given period of time, leading to a decrease in government debt.
  • Swing State: A state in which neither the Democratic Party nor the Republican Party has a clear advantage, and which could potentially be won by either party in a presidential election.
  • Swing state: A state in which no political party has a clear advantage, and the outcome of the election is uncertain.
  • Swing State: A state in which the outcome of a presidential election is expected to be close and could determine the outcome of the election.
  • Swing State: A state in which the outcome of an election is considered to be uncertain or unpredictable and could potentially swing the election in either direction.
  • Tariff: A tax on imported goods, designed to protect domestic industries from foreign competition.
  • Tariff: Another term for a trade barrier or tax, often used to refer specifically to taxes on imports.
  • Tax Code: The body of federal laws and regulations governing the collection of taxes in the United States. The tax code is complex and extensive, and governs the taxation of individuals, businesses, and other entities, as well as the administration of the tax system by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
  • Taxation Without Representation: A phrase used to describe the situation in which individuals are required to pay taxes to a government that they have no representation in.
  • taxation: The practice of levying and collecting taxes, or a tax itself, used to finance government spending and services.
  • Taxation: The process by which the government raises revenue through the collection of taxes.
  • Term Limits: Limits on the number of terms that an elected official may serve in a particular office.
  • The following are more US government-related terms and definitions:
  • Third Party: A political party other than the two major parties in the United States, such as the Libertarian Party or the Green Party.
  • Trade Agreement: A formal agreement between two or more countries that sets the terms of trade and investment, including tariffs, quotas, and other trade barriers.
  • Transportation Security Administration (TSA): An agency within the DHS responsible for ensuring the security of the nation’s transportation systems, including aviation and mass transit.
  • Treason: A crime in which a person owes allegiance to their country and either levies war against it or adheres to its enemies by giving them aid and comfort. Treason is the only crime specifically defined in the U.S. Constitution.
  • Treasury Department: A department of the federal government responsible for managing government revenue and debt.
  • Treaty: A legally binding agreement between two or more nations.
  • Treaty: An agreement between the US government and another government or international organization, which has the force of law.
  • Treaty: An agreement between two or more nations that is legally binding and must be approved by the Senate in order to take effect.
  • U.S. Code: A compilation of all federal laws in the United States, organized by subject matter. The U.S. Code is updated regularly and is used by federal courts and agencies to interpret and enforce federal laws.
  • Unfunded Mandate: A requirement imposed by the federal government on state and local governments, without providing the funding necessary to implement it.
  • Unitary System: A system of government in which power is centralized in a single national government.
  • United States Agency for International Development (USAID): A federal agency responsible for providing economic and humanitarian assistance to developing countries around the world. USAID provides assistance through a range of programs, including health and education initiatives, food security programs, and disaster relief efforts.
  • United States Agency for International Development (USAID): An independent agency within the State Department responsible for administering foreign assistance and promoting economic growth, democracy, and stability abroad.
  • United States Air Force Academy (USAFA): A federal service academy located in Colorado Springs, Colorado, responsible for educating and training future officers of the United States Air Force.
  • United States Air Force: A branch of the United States military responsible for air warfare and the defense of American airspace.
  • United States Air Force: The branch of the military responsible for air warfare, including fighter jets and strategic bombers.
  • United States Ambassadors: Representatives of the United States government accredited to foreign governments, responsible for maintaining diplomatic relations and advancing American interests.
  • United States Army: The branch of the military responsible for ground warfare, including infantry and armored units.
  • United States Army: The largest branch of the United States military, responsible for ground warfare.
  • United States Attorneys: Federal prosecutors responsible for enforcing federal laws and representing the United States in federal courts.
  • United States Attorneys: Prosecutors appointed by the President to represent the United States in each federal judicial district and to enforce federal law.
  • United States Census Bureau: An agency within the Commerce Department responsible for conducting the census and providing data and information about the American people and economy.
  • United States Circuit Courts of Appeals: The 13 intermediate appellate courts in the United States, which hear appeals from the district courts and certain federal agencies.
  • United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS): A federal agency responsible for administering the country’s immigration and naturalization processes. USCIS is responsible for processing applications for visas, permanent residency, and citizenship, as well as enforcing immigration laws and ensuring the security of the country’s borders.
  • United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS): An agency within the DHS responsible for administering the country’s immigration and naturalization processes, including granting visas, green cards, and citizenship.
  • United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS): An agency within the DHS responsible for administering the nation’s immigration and naturalization laws.
  • United States Coast Guard: A branch of the United States military responsible for maritime law enforcement and search and rescue operations.
  • United States Coast Guard: The branch of the military responsible for coastal and maritime security, including search and rescue and law enforcement.
  • United States Consulate: A diplomatic mission abroad responsible for providing consular services to American citizens and protecting American interests in a specific geographic region.
  • United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP): A federal agency responsible for enforcing the country’s customs and immigration laws at the borders. CBP is responsible for safeguarding the country’s borders, preventing the illegal trafficking of goods and people, and protecting the nation’s agriculture and natural resources.
  • United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP): An agency within the DHS responsible for securing the country’s borders, preventing the illegal entry of goods and people, and facilitating lawful trade and travel.
  • United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP): An agency within the DHS responsible for securing the nation’s borders and facilitating lawful international trade and travel.
  • United States Diplomatic Corps: A collective term for all American diplomats and embassy personnel serving abroad.
  • United States District Courts: The 94 federal trial courts in the United States, each with jurisdiction over a specific geographic region.
  • United States Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS): An agency within the DOI responsible for conserving and protecting fish, wildlife, and plants, including threatened and endangered species, and their habitats.
  • United States Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS): An agency within the Interior Department responsible for conserving, protecting, and enhancing fish and wildlife and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people.
  • United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA): An agency within the USDA responsible for protecting public health by regulating food, drugs, cosmetics, and medical devices.
  • United States Foreign Service: A professional corps of diplomats responsible for representing the United States abroad and managing American diplomatic missions.
  • United States Forest Service (USFS): An agency within the USDA responsible for managing the nation’s public lands and forests, including the National Forest System.
  • United States Geological Survey (USGS): An agency within the DOI responsible for providing science about the natural hazards, resources, and environment that impact the nation, including earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and water resources.
  • United States Geological Survey (USGS): An agency within the Interior Department responsible for providing scientific information about the natural resources and geology of the United States.
  • United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE): An agency within the DHS responsible for enforcing federal immigration laws and combating cross-border crime, including human trafficking, drug trafficking, and money laundering.
  • United States Marine Corps: A branch of the United States military responsible for amphibious warfare and rapid deployment.
  • United States Marine Corps: The branch of the military responsible for amphibious operations, including landing on enemy-held shores.
  • United States Marshals Service (USMS): A federal law enforcement agency within the DOJ responsible for protecting the federal judiciary, managing and selling seized assets, and transporting federal prisoners.
  • United States Marshals Service (USMS): An agency within the DOJ responsible for protecting the federal judiciary, transporting federal prisoners, and serving federal court writs and processes.
  • United States Military Academy (USMA): A federal service academy located in West Point, New York, responsible for educating and training future officers of the United States Army.
  • United States Naval Academy (USNA): A federal service academy located in Annapolis, Maryland, responsible for educating and training future officers of the United States Navy and Marine Corps.
  • United States Navy: A branch of the United States military responsible for naval warfare and the protection of American interests at sea.
  • United States Navy: The branch of the military responsible for naval operations, including aircraft carriers, submarines, and surface warships.
  • United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO): An agency within the Commerce Department responsible for granting patents for new and useful inventions and registering trademarks for products and services.
  • United States Secret Service (USSS): A federal law enforcement agency within the DHS responsible for protecting the President and other high-ranking officials, investigating counterfeiting and other financial crimes, and providing physical and cyber security for designated national special security events.
  • United States Secret Service (USSS): An agency within the DHS responsible for protecting the President and other dignitaries, and investigating counterfeiting and other financial crimes.
  • United States Supreme Court: The highest court in the United States, responsible for interpreting the Constitution and federal laws and serving as the final court of appeal in all federal cases.
  • Veterans Affairs (VA): A department of the federal government responsible for providing benefits and services to veterans of the United States Armed Forces.
  • Veterans Affairs (VA): A federal agency responsible for providing a range of benefits and services to eligible military veterans and their families. The VA provides health care, educational assistance, home loan guarantees, life insurance, and compensation for service-connected disabilities, among other benefits and services.
  • Veto: The constitutional power of the President to reject a bill passed by Congress.
  • veto: The power of the President to reject a bill passed by Congress and prevent it from becoming law.
  • Veto: The power of the president to reject a bill passed by the Congress, effectively preventing it from becoming law.
  • Veto: The power of the US president to reject a bill passed by Congress.
  • Vice President of the United States: The second-highest-ranking official in the executive branch of the federal government, who serves as the President of the Senate and assumes the presidency if the President is unable to perform the duties of the office.
  • Vice President: The second-highest elected official in the United States, who serves as the president of the Senate and as the next in line for the presidency in the event of the death, resignation, or removal of the president.
  • Voter Fraud: The act of illegally casting a vote or manipulating the outcome of an election.
  • Voter fraud: The illegal interference with the election process, including the casting of fraudulent ballots.
  • Voter Initiative: A process that allows citizens to propose legislation by gathering signatures from registered voters, with the goal of placing the measure on the ballot for a vote.
  • Voter Registration: The process of registering eligible citizens to vote in an election, typically by submitting a registration form to the local or state election authority.
  • Voter suppression: Actions taken by governments or other organizations to prevent eligible citizens from exercising their right to vote. This can include practices such as purging voter rolls, gerrymandering, limiting early voting, and requiring restrictive identification requirements.
  • Voter Suppression: Tactics used to prevent or discourage individuals from exercising their right to vote, such as discriminatory voter ID laws, gerrymandering, and purging of voter rolls.
  • Voter Suppression: The act of discouraging or preventing people from exercising their right to vote through various means, such as restrictive voter identification laws, purging of voter rolls, or reducing early voting opportunities.
  • Voter suppression: The intentional suppression of the right to vote, often through measures such as restrictive voter ID laws, purging of voter rolls, and limiting early voting.
  • Voter Turnout: The percentage of eligible voters who participate in an election.
  • War Powers Act: A federal law enacted in 1973 that governs the President’s authority to deploy U.S. military forces overseas. The War Powers Act requires the President to notify Congress within 48 hours of deploying U.S. military forces and restricts the use of military force to 60 days without congressional authorization, unless an attack on the U.S. has taken place or there is an imminent threat of such an attack.
  • War Powers Act: A federal law enacted in 1973 that sets limits on the president’s ability to use military force without the prior authorization of Congress. The War Powers Act requires the president to consult with Congress before sending U.S. military forces into hostilities and imposes reporting requirements on the president to keep Congress informed about the use of military force.
  • War Powers Act: A federal law that governs the president’s power to commit the United States military to foreign conflicts. The act requires the president to consult with Congress before committing military forces and provides limits on the use of military force without a formal declaration of war by Congress.
  • War Powers Act: A law passed by the US Congress in 1973 that limits the president’s power to wage war without congressional approval.
  • Warrant: A written order from a court or government authority that authorizes law enforcement to search for and seize evidence or to make an arrest.
  • Whip: A member of the majority or minority party in the US Senate and House of Representatives who is responsible for counting votes and ensuring that members of their party are in attendance for important votes.
  • Whip: A party leader in the US Congress who is responsible for counting votes and ensuring party unity on important votes.
  • Whistleblower Protection Act: A federal law enacted in 1989 that protects federal employees who report illegal or unethical behavior within the federal government. The Whistleblower Protection Act provides various protections for whistleblowers, including the right to file a complaint and the right to seek legal remedy for retaliation.
  • Whistleblower Protection Act: A federal law enacted in 1989 that provides protection for federal employees who report illegal or unethical activities within their agency. The Whistleblower Protection Act provides a mechanism for employees to report suspected wrongdoing to the appropriate authorities, while shielding them from retaliation by their employer. The law applies to all federal employees, except those in intelligence agencies.
  • Whistleblower: An individual who exposes illegal, unethical, or corrupt behavior within an organization, especially within government.
  • Whistleblower: An individual who reports illegal, unethical, or unauthorized activities within an organization, particularly government agencies.
  • White House: The official residence and workplace of the President of the United States.
  • World Trade Organization (WTO): A global organization that promotes free trade by negotiating and enforcing trade agreements, resolving trade disputes, and providing a forum for trade negotiations.
  • Writ of Certiorari: A request by the US Supreme Court for a lower court to send up the record in a case for the Supreme Court to review.
  • Writ of Habeas Corpus: A court order that requires a person who is being detained to be brought before a judge or court. It is used as a way to protect individual freedom from arbitrary state action.
  • Writ of Habeas Corpus: A court order that requires the government to justify the detention of an individual, and to release them if their detention is found to be unjustified.
  • Writ of Habeas Corpus: A court order that requires the government to produce a person in custody and explain the legal basis for their detention.
  • Writ of habeas corpus: A legal order that requires a person who is being detained to be brought before a court or judge. The writ of habeas corpus is a fundamental protection against unlawful detention and is specifically protected by the Constitution.
  • Writ of Habeas Corpus: A legal order that requires the release of an individual who has been unlawfully detained, or a fair and impartial hearing to determine the legality of the detention.
  • Yield curve: A graph that plots the yields of bonds with similar credit quality but different maturity dates. The yield curve is an important tool for economists and investors as it provides information about the shape of the yield curve and can indicate the direction of future interest rates and the economy.
  • Zero-based budgeting: A budgeting method in which all expenses must be justified for each new budget period, regardless of whether they were incurred in previous periods. This method contrasts with traditional budgeting, which is based on the previous year’s budget and assumes that all expenses will continue at the same level.
  • Zoning: The process by which local governments regulate the use of land within their jurisdiction, including the types of buildings that can be constructed and the uses that can be made of them.
  • Zoning: The process of dividing a city or other area into different districts with specific land-use regulations, such as residential, commercial, and industrial zones. Zoning is used to regulate the use of land and prevent conflicting land uses, and is typically established and enforced by local government.