American government

American government

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

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American government

pro forma session

Government; American government

A brief meeting (sometimes only several seconds) of the Senate in which no business is conducted. It is held usually to satisfy the constitutional obligation that neither chamber can adjourn for more ...

nongermane amendment

Government; American government

An amendment that would add new and different subject matter to, or may be irrelevant to, the bill or other measure it seeks to amend. Senate rules permit nongermane amendments in all but a few ...

separation of church and state

Government; American government

Concept that religion and government should be separate; basis for the establishment clause of the First Amendment.

outlays

Government; American government

Outlays are payments made (generally through the issuance of checks or disbursement of cash) to liquidate obligations. Outlays during a fiscal year may be for payment of obligations incurred in prior ...

unanimous consent

Government; American government

A Senator may request unanimous consent on the floor to set aside a specified rule of procedure so as to expedite proceedings. If no Senator objects, the Senate permits the action, but if any one ...