News about government often assumes readers already know what a discharge petition is, why a pocket veto cannot be overridden, or how the nuclear option changed the Senate. This glossary defines the most common terms in a sentence each and points to fuller explanations.
Terms are grouped alphabetically. The glossary will grow as new entries are added to the site.
From advice and consent to continuing resolutions: core terms of the Constitution, the budget, and Senate procedure.
From discharge petitions to federal preemption: tools for forcing votes, rights of the accused, and the division of power between Washington and the states.
From the major questions doctrine to pardons: spending categories, Senate rules changes, and presidential powers.
From recess appointments to the Supremacy Clause: appointments, budget cuts, and the right to sue.
From the take care clause to whips: executive duties, term limits, floor procedure, and the veto.
Put the terms to work in how a bill becomes law, how the federal budget works, and who's who: offices and titles.