Glossary Of Common Health, Political & Advocacy Terms

A bill that has passed both houses of Congress and has been enacted into law.

Formally approve of; usually in reference to a change or amendment.

The act of supporting a cause or proposal, often involving efforts to influence public opinion or decision-making.

A coordinated series of actions and activities aimed at promoting a specific cause, influencing policy change, or raising awareness about an issue.

A nonprofit or advocacy group that works to promote specific causes or policies.

A group of organizations or individuals working together to advance shared policy goals or address common concerns.

A formal change (or proposed change) made to a piece of legislation.

The procedure for proposing and ratifying changes to a constitution or legal document.

Asking a higher court to change or reverse the decision of a lower court.

The allocation of funds for a specific purpose within government. Allows for funds to be spent but is not an actual expenditure.

A bill that has been introduced in both the House and Senate.

A bill that has at least one cosponsor from both parties.

A Representative or Senator who formally signs on to support a bill. Only the first-named Member is the sponsor, all others are cosponsors, even those whose names appeared on the measure at the time it was submitted.

A Representative or Senator who introduces a bill.

A body consisting of the Vice President of the United States and the heads of the executive branch’s federal executive departments.

The financing of political campaigns, including contributions from individuals, corporations, and interest groups, as well as regulations governing campaign spending.

A plan of action outlining the goals, tactics, and resources needed to achieve desired outcomes in an advocacy or awareness-raising campaign.

An informal meeting of members of a body of government (typically belonging to the same political party and/or another common interest such as the Rare Disease Caucus).

The member of the majority party on a committee or subcommittee who has formal responsibility over the panel’s agenda and resources, presides at its meetings, and can, in some circumstances, act on the committee’s behalf.

A long-lasting medical condition that typically cannot be cured but can be managed with ongoing treatment and care.

Fundamental rights and freedoms that protect individuals from government intrusion or oppression.

The rights of individuals to receive equal treatment and protection under the law, regardless of their race, gender, religion, or other characteristics.

An alliance or partnership formed by various groups or organizations working towards a common goal or objective.

A panel with members from the House or Senate tasked with conducting hearings, examining and developing legislation, and conducting oversight.

The process of involving community members in decision-making, problem-solving, or planning efforts that affect their lives.

The process of mobilizing and empowering community members to collectively address common concerns, build relationships, and effect social change.

A medical condition characterized by a combination of various symptoms and factors, often requiring specialized treatment and management.

Citizens within a district of a legislator; the voters that elect a representative. “Died in committee” – A bill that was considered and rejected by a committee; not returned to the house for action.

The group of people represented by a particular elected official, such as constituents within a legislative district.

The governing body responsible for overseeing the operations and policies of a county government.

Political activities, such as protests, demonstrations, or strikes, that are intended to bring about immediate change or raise awareness of an issue.

The unjust or prejudicial treatment of different categories of people, especially on the grounds of race, age, sex, or disability.

A provision inserted into legislation that directs funds to a specific project, program, or organization, often at the request of a legislator.

When a bill is passed by both chambers and signed into law by the President.

The state of being equal, especially in status, rights, and opportunities.

The quality of being fair and impartial; fairness and justice in the distribution of resources and opportunities.

A prolonged discussion of a piece of legislation that delays or prevents legislative action.

The principles and practices that promote transparency, accountability, responsiveness, and effectiveness in government.

The elected head of a state government, responsible for implementing state laws and policies, overseeing the state budget, and representing the state's interests.

Political activism or organizing efforts that mobilize individuals at the local level to influence policy decisions or promote social change.

A formal meeting of a congressional committee (or subcommittee) to gather information from witnesses for use in its activities.

Policies and practices that consider and accommodate the needs and interests of diverse populations, including marginalized or underrepresented groups.

An organization or association that seeks to influence public policy on behalf of its members or supporters.

A concise document that provides background information, analysis, and recommendations on a specific policy or social issue.

Meeting of both the House and the Senate in one chamber.

The process of making or enacting laws; the laws created through this process.

The set of priorities and issues that a legislator or legislative body intends to address during a particular session or term.

The branch of government responsible for making laws, comprising the House of Representatives and the Senate.

An elected official of a legislative body.

The branch of government responsible for enacting laws.

The requirement for individuals or organizations to register and report their lobbying activities, including contacts with government officials and expenditures on lobbying efforts.

A person who attempts to influence legislation on behalf of a specific interest group.

The political party having electoral strength sufficient to permit it to win control of a government.

The leader of the majority party in a legislative chamber, responsible for managing the party's legislative agenda and representing the chamber to the public.

Meeting by a committee or subcommittee during which committee members offer, debate, and vote on amendments to a bill or other measure.

The elected head of a municipal government, typically responsible for overseeing city operations and representing the city's interests.

A federal system of health insurance for those requiring financial assistance.

A federal system of health insurance for people over 65 years of age or for certain younger people with disabilities.

A political party whose electoral strength is so small as to prevent its gaining control of a government except in rare and exceptional circumstances.

The leader of the minority party in a legislative chamber, responsible for representing the minority's interests and viewpoints in the legislative process.

A proposal asking for the Senate or House to take an action.

Not associated with a single political party or caucus.

Being associated with a single political party or caucus.

When a bill is approved in one chamber by a majority vote (most legislation requires a 60-vote majority in the Senate).

A formal written request submitted by anyone other than the legislature (individuals, boards, commissions, cities, etc.).

Efforts to influence government policy decisions through education, persuasion, and mobilization of public support.

The systematic examination and evaluation of public policies to assess their effectiveness, implications, and potential alternatives.

A concise document that summarizes key information and recommendations related to a specific policy issue, often used to inform decision-makers.

The management of communication and relationships between organizations, government officials, and the public, often involving issues of public policy and government affairs.

An open discussion or debate on a public issue, typically organized to engage community members and gather diverse perspectives.

The collective views, attitudes, and beliefs of the general population on political, social, or economic issues.

The minimum number of members of the legislature necessary to conduct business.

The most senior (though not necessarily the longest-serving) member of the minority party on a committee or subcommittee. The ranking member typically oversees minority committee staff and may coordinate involvement of the minority party members in committee activities.

A medical condition that affects a small percentage of the population, often characterized by complex symptoms and requiring specialized treatment and care.

The temporary break of a daily session. Can refer to breaks within the same day, overnight, or longer breaks (such as over holidays).

To revoke or annul a legislative action.

An official communication of an intent by a legislature or a chamber.

Senators are elected by voters to represent them in a state or federal senate. Each state in the US elects two senators who serve six-year terms in Washington, DC, where they pass laws and vote on policies.

The period of time that the legislature meets and carries out its regular business. The constitution. Regular session: the annual or biennial meeting of the legislature.

A special session is a period when the body convenes outside of the normal legislative session. This most frequently occurs in order to complete unfinished tasks for the year, such as outlining the government's budget for the next fiscal year, biennium, or other period.

The presiding officer of the United States House of Representatives, responsible for managing the legislative process, maintaining order, and representing the House to the public.

The process of involving individuals, groups, or organizations that are affected by or have a vested interest in a particular issue or decision in the decision-making process.

The openness and accessibility of government processes, information, and decision-making to the public.

The power of a president or governor to reject a bill proposed by the legislature, preventing it from becoming law.

The legal rights of citizens to participate in elections and have their voices heard in the political process, including the right to vote and the right to access polling places.