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Glossary
Government Shutdown

Civics Glossary

Government Shutdown

Executive

Last verified: June 2026

Definition

Occurs when Congress fails to pass appropriations bills, forcing non-essential federal agencies to cease operations.

Related Terms

Appropriation

A legislative act authorizing the expenditure of government funds for a specific purpose.

Continuing Resolution

A temporary funding measure passed by Congress to keep the government operating when regular appropriations have not been enacted.

More Executive Terms

Cabinet

The group of senior officials who lead the 15 executive departments and advise the president.

Executive Order

A directive issued by the president that manages operations of the federal government.

Executive Privilege

The claimed right of the president to withhold information from Congress, the courts, or the public.

Lame Duck

An elected official serving out the remainder of their term after a successor has been elected.

Pardon

The president's constitutional power to forgive a person convicted of a federal crime.

Pocket Veto

An indirect veto that occurs when the president does not sign a bill within 10 days and Congress adjourns.

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