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Clear, nonpartisan definitions of key terms — from amendment to zoning.
Government and politics come with their own vocabulary. This glossary provides clear, nonpartisan definitions of key terms you'll encounter when learning about American civics -- from “amendment” to “zoning.”
Showing 65 of 65 terms
A ballot submitted by a voter who cannot or chooses not to vote in person.
A change or addition to the Constitution. Requires two-thirds of Congress and three-fourths of state legislatures.
A legal document filed by a non-party ("friend of the court") in a case.
A legislative act authorizing the expenditure of government funds for a specific purpose.
A process allowing citizens to propose new laws by collecting signatures and placing the measure on the ballot.
A legislature with two separate chambers. The U.S. Congress is bicameral, consisting of the Senate and the House of Representatives.
A proposed law introduced in Congress or a state legislature.
The first ten amendments to the Constitution, ratified in 1791.
The group of senior officials who lead the 15 executive departments and advise the president.
A meeting of members of a political party or interest group to discuss strategy, select candidates, or make policy decisions.
The process by which the Supreme Court decides to hear a case. Four justices must vote to hear it.
The constitutional system in which each branch of government can limit the powers of the other branches.
A Senate procedure to end debate (a filibuster) and bring a matter to a vote. Requires 60 out of 100 senators.
Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution, giving Congress the power to regulate commerce among the states.
A subgroup of legislators assigned to review, amend, and recommend action on bills related to a specific topic.
A temporary joint committee formed when the House and Senate pass different versions of the same bill.
A temporary funding measure passed by Congress to keep the government operating when regular appropriations have not been enacted.
The primary administrative division of most U.S. states. Called "parishes" in Louisiana and "boroughs" in Alaska.
A person selected to represent their state at a party's national convention.
A written opinion by justices who disagree with the majority decision.
The constitutional guarantee that the government must follow fair procedures before depriving a person of life, liberty, or property.
A period before Election Day during which voters can cast their ballots in person.
A provision inserted into legislation that directs funds to a specific project, program, or institution.
The system used to elect the president. A candidate needs 270 of 538 electoral votes to win.
The 14th Amendment guarantee that no state shall deny any person "equal protection of the laws."
A directive issued by the president that manages operations of the federal government.
The claimed right of the president to withhold information from Congress, the courts, or the public.
The division of power between a central (federal) government and regional (state) governments.
A tactic used in the Senate to delay or block a vote by extending debate indefinitely. Can only be ended by cloture (60 votes).
The election held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November in even-numbered years.
The practice of drawing legislative district boundaries to favor one political party.
Occurs when Congress fails to pass appropriations bills, forcing non-essential federal agencies to cease operations.
A legal principle requiring the government to justify imprisonment of a detained person before a court.
The authority granted by a state to its cities or counties to govern themselves.
The lower chamber of Congress with 435 members apportioned by population. Members serve 2-year terms.
The process by which a congressional committee reviews, debates, and amends a bill.
Elections held halfway through a president's term. All 435 House seats and ~1/3 of Senate seats are contested.
An incorporated city, town, or village with its own local government.
The president's constitutional power to forgive a person convicted of a federal crime.
An indirect veto that occurs when the president does not sign a bill within 10 days and Congress adjourns.
The total number of individual votes cast for a candidate nationwide.
A court decision that serves as a guide for future cases with similar issues (stare decisis).
The order in which officials assume the presidency if the president dies, resigns, or is removed.
An election held by a political party to choose its nominee for the general election.
The process of redrawing legislative district boundaries, typically after each census.
A direct vote by the electorate on a specific proposal or law.
A formal expression of opinion or intent by a legislative body. Most resolutions do not have the force of law.
The upper chamber of Congress with 100 members (2 per state) serving 6-year terms.
The principle dividing government authority among legislative, executive, and judicial branches.
A written comment issued by the president when signing a bill into law.
The presiding officer of the House of Representatives and second in the presidential line of succession.
Latin for "to stand by things decided." The principle that courts should follow their own prior decisions.
Article VI of the Constitution, establishing federal law as the "supreme law of the land."
A state where both major parties have similar levels of support. Also called "battleground states."