Glossary of Legislative Terms: “Act”

Act: Legislation that has been passed by both houses of Congress and signed by the president or passed over his veto, thus becoming law. Also, parliamentary term for a measure that has been passed by one chamber and engrossed. This definition is from the Glossary in our Congressional Deskbook. Perfect reference tool of Congressional jargon … Read more

The Constitution of the United States, Article. IV. Section. 4. Republican Government

The United States Constitution Article. IV. (The States) Section. 4. (Republican Government) The United States shall guarantee to every State in this Union a Republican Form of Government, and shall protect each of them against Invasion; and on Application of the Legislature, or of the Executive (when the Legislature cannot be convened), against domestic Violence. … Read more

Glossary of Legislative Terms: “Suspend the Rules”

See Suspend the Rules / Suspension of the Rules (CongressionalGlossary.com).     Courses Congressional Operations Briefing – Capitol Hill Workshop Drafting Federal Legislation and Amendments Writing for Government and Business: Critical Thinking and Writing Custom, On-Site Training Drafting Effective Federal Legislation and Amendments in a Nutshell, Audio Course on CD Congress, the Legislative Process, and … Read more

The Constitution of the United States, Article. IV. Section. 2. State Citizens, Extradition

The United States Constitution Article. IV. (The States) Section. 2. (State Citizens, Extradition) The Citizens of each State shall be entitled to all Privileges and Immunities of Citizens in the several States. A Person charged in any State with Treason, Felony, or other Crime, who shall flee from Justice, and be found in another State, … Read more

Glossary of Legislative Terms: “Pro Forma Amendment”

Pro Forma Amendment: Motion whereby a House member secures five minutes to speak on an amendment under debate, without offering a substantive amendment. The member moves to “strike the last word” or “strike the requisite number of words.” The motion requires no vote and is deemed automatically withdrawn at the expiration of the five minutes. … Read more

The Constitution of the United States, Article. IV. Section. 1. Each State to Honor All Others

The United States Constitution Article. IV. (The States) Section. 1. (Each State to Honor All Others) Full Faith and Credit shall be given in each State to the public Acts, Records, and judicial Proceedings of every other State. And the Congress may by general Laws prescribe the Manner in which such Acts, Records and Proceedings … Read more

Glossary of Legislative Terms: “Filibuster”

Filibuster: Delaying tactic in the Senate to delay or defeat a measure by unlimited debate and other tactics. This definition is from the Glossary in our Congressional Deskbook. Perfect reference tool of Congressional jargon and procedural terms. Congressional Deskbook: The Practical and Comprehensive Guide to Congress, by Michael Koempel and Judy Schneider. TheCapitol.Net offers training … Read more

Glossary of Legislative Terms: “Adjourn”

Adjourn: Formal motion to end a day’s session of a chamber of Congress. This definition is from the Glossary in our Congressional Deskbook. Perfect reference tool of Congressional jargon and procedural terms. Congressional Deskbook: The Practical and Comprehensive Guide to Congress, by Michael Koempel and Judy Schneider. TheCapitol.Net offers training and a Certificate in Congressional … Read more