American government

American government

This category is for all terms related to American government and politics.

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American government

Authorizations act

Government; American government

A law that establishes or continues one or more Federal agencies or programs, establishes the terms and conditions under which they operate, authorises the enactment of appropriations, and specifies ...

Civil rights

Government; American government

Protections and privileges given to all U. S. Citizens by the Constitution and Bill of Rights.

Higher law

Government; American government

In describing a legal system, refers to the superiority of one set of laws over another. For example, the Constitution is a higher law than any federal or state law. In natural rights philosophy, it ...

Layover

Government; American government

Informal term for a period of delay required by rule. For example, when a bill or other measure is reported from committee, it may be considered on the floor only after it "lies over" for one ...

Question

Government; American government

Any matter on which the Senate is to vote, such as passage of a bill, adoption of an amendment, agreement to a motion, or an appeal.

Recess

Government; American government

A temporary interruption of the Senate's (or a committee's) business. Generally, the Senate recesses (rather than adjourns) at the end of each calendar day.

Court of appeals

Government; American government

The thirteen courts of appeals are federal courts that hear appeals – mostly from federal district (i.e., trial) courts, but also from federal administrative agencies. Of all the cases the Supreme ...