Key Political and Legal Terms for U.S. Government Studies

Federalist (contemporary)

A supporter of states' right and, in general, an opponent of strengthening the federal government.

Absolute monarchy"

"A system where a single ruler holds unchecked political power."

"Adjudicate"

"To make a formal judgment or decision about a dispute or case."

"Administrative law"

"Rules and regulations created by executive agencies to implement legislation."

"Affirmative action"

"Policies designed to improve opportunities for historically disadvantaged groups."

"Amendment"

"A formal change or addition to a constitution or law."

"Anti‑federalist"

"A person who opposed a strong central government during the ratification of the U.S. Constitution."

"Appeal"

"A request made to a higher court to review and change the decision of a lower court." "

Appellate jurisdiction"

"The authority of a court to review decisions made by lower courts."

"Arbitration"

"A private method of resolving disputes outside the court system using a neutral arbitrator."

"Articles of Confederation"

"The first governing document of the United States, in effect from 1781 to 1789."

"Bicameral"

"A legislature composed of two separate chambers or houses."

"Bill"

"A proposed law presented for discussion and approval in a legislature."

"Bill of Rights"

"The first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution protecting individual liberties."

"Bureaucracy"

"The administrative structure and officials who implement government policies and programs."

"Cabinet"

"A group of presidential advisers who head the executive departments."

"Campaign"

"An organized effort to influence voters and win an election."

"Canvass"

"To solicit votes or conduct surveys by contacting voters directly."

Caucus (electoral)

"A local meeting of party members to choose candidates or delegates."

"Censorship"

"The suppression or control of speech, publications, or information by authorities."

"Censure"

"Formal disapproval or condemnation of an official's actions by a legislative body."

"Checks and balances"

"A system in which each branch of government can limit the powers of the others."

"Citizen"

"A legally recognized member of a state with rights and responsibilities."

"Civil disobedience"

"Nonviolent refusal to obey certain laws as a form of political protest."

"Civil liberties"

"Individual freedoms protected from government interference (e.g., speech, religion)."

"Civil rights"

"Protections against unequal treatment and discrimination by government or others."

"Class action"

"A lawsuit filed by one or more persons on behalf of a larger group with similar claims."

"Clause"

"A specific provision or section within a legal document or constitution."

"Coercion"

"Using force or threats to make someone act against their will."

"Cohort"

"A group of people who share a defining characteristic, often used in demographic analysis."

"Common law"

"A legal system based on judicial decisions and precedent rather than codified statutes."

"Communism"

"A political and economic system in which property is commonly owned and class distinctions are minimized."

"Compromise"

"A settlement of differences by mutual concessions."

"Concurrent powers"

"Powers exercised jointly by the national and state governments."

"Confederation"

"A union of sovereign states united for a common purpose with a weak central authority."

"Confrontation clause"

"The constitutional right of a defendant to face witnesses against them in court."

"Congress"

"The bicameral national legislature of the United States (House of Representatives and Senate)."

"Constituency"

"The residents in the area represented by an elected official."

"Constitution"

"The fundamental law establishing government structure, powers, and citizens' rights."

"Constitutionalism"

"The principle that governmental power is limited by a constitution."

"Consulate"

"A diplomatic office representing a country's interests and citizens in a foreign city (below embassy level)."

"Consumer protection"

"Laws and regulations designed to protect buyers from fraud and unsafe products."

"Continuity of government"

"Plans and procedures ensuring government functions during emergencies or disasters."

"Contract"

"A legally binding agreement between two or more parties."

"Conventional participation"

"Traditional political activities like voting, campaigning, and contacting officials."

"Cooperative federalism"

"A model where national and state governments share responsibilities and collaborate."

"Corruption"

"Illegal or unethical use of public office for private gain."

"Court of appeals"

"An intermediate appellate court that reviews decisions of lower courts."

"Criminal law"

"Laws that define crimes and prescribe punishments for wrongdoing."

"Crisis management"

"Government actions and planning to respond to emergencies and disasters."

"Civic duty"

"Responsibilities of citizens, such as obeying laws and serving on juries."

"Debate"

"A formal discussion presenting opposing arguments on a topic or policy."

"De facto"

"In practice or reality, even if not legally recognized."

"De jure"

"By law; legally recognized or established."

"Declaration of Independence"

"The 1776 document declaring the American colonies' independence from Britain."

"Demagogue"

"A political leader who gains support by appealing to emotions, fears, and prejudices."

"Democratic republic"

"A government with elected representatives operating under a constitution and rule of law."

"Demonstration"

"A public protest or rally expressing political views."

"Department (executive)"

"A major administrative division of the executive branch (e.g., Department of Justice)."

"Devolution"

"The transfer of powers from central government to regional or local authorities."

"Diplomacy"

"The management of relationships and negotiations between nations."

"Direct democracy"

"A system where citizens vote directly on laws and policies rather than electing representatives."

"Discretionary spending"

"Budget items that Congress funds annually and can change each year."

"Dissent"

"Expression of disagreement with a decision, policy, or majority opinion."

"Due process"

"Legal requirement that the state must respect all legal rights owed to a person."

"Earmark"

"Funds in legislation designated for specific projects, often in a lawmaker's district."

"Economy"

"The system of production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services."

"Electoral college"

"The body of electors that formally elects the U.S. president."

"Electorate"

"All individuals eligible to vote in an election."

"Emergency powers"

"Extraordinary authorities granted to government during crises."

"Enumerated powers"

"Powers explicitly granted to a government branch by a constitution."

"Equal protection"

"The constitutional guarantee that laws will apply equally to all people."

"Establishment clause"

"The constitutional prohibition on government establishing an official religion."

"Ethics"

"Moral principles guiding the behavior of public officials and institutions."

"Executive agreement"

"An international agreement made by the president without Senate ratification."

"Executive order"

"A presidential directive that manages operations of the federal government."

"Executive privilege"

"The president's claim of confidentiality over certain executive branch communications."

"Federalism"

"A system dividing power between a national government and regional (state) governments."

Federalist (historical)

A supporter of a strong national government during the Constitution's ratification.

"Felony"

"A serious crime typically punishable by more than one year in prison."

"Filibuster"

"A tactic in the U.S. Senate involving extended debate to delay or block a vote."

"Fiscal policy"

"Government decisions about taxation and spending to influence the economy."

"Foreign policy"

"A government's strategy in dealing with other countries."

"Founding Fathers"

"Leaders who played key roles in creating the United States and its Constitution."

"Franchise"

"The legal right to vote in public elections."

"Free exercise clause"

"The constitutional protection allowing individuals to practice their religion freely."

"Gerrymandering"

"Manipulating electoral district boundaries to favor a political party or group."

"Globalization"

"The growing economic, cultural, and political interconnectedness of the world."

"Good governance"

"Principles of transparency, accountability, and effectiveness in government."

"Grassroots"

"Local-level political activity driven by ordinary citizens rather than elites."

"Impeachment"

"A formal charge of misconduct against a public official that may lead to removal."

"Implied powers"

"Powers not explicitly listed in the constitution but inferred as necessary to carry out duties."

"Inalienable rights"

"Rights believed to be inherent and not removable by government."

"Inauguration"

"The ceremonial swearing-in of an elected official into office."

"Incumbent"

"The current holder of a political office who may seek re-election."

"Incorporation doctrine"

"The legal process applying federal constitutional rights to the states via the 14th Amendment."

"Independent agency"

"A federal agency that operates outside the presidential cabinet departments."

"Initiative"

"A process allowing citizens to propose laws or constitutional amendments by petition."

"Interest group"

"An organization that seeks to influence public policy and government decisions."

"Interpretation (judicial)"

"The process by which courts explain and apply laws and constitutional provisions."