Glossary

Adjourn: To officially end a meeting. Decisions made after adjournment are not valid.

Agenda: A list of items scheduled for discussion and decision at a meeting. Control of the agenda often determines what gets debated.

Amendment: A proposed change to a motion, law, or document. Can clarify, add, or remove language.

Bylaws: The governing rules of an organization, association, or board. They define authority, procedures, and member rights.

Capture: (Judicial, Oversight, or Media) When institutions meant to act independently become controlled by political, financial, or partisan interests.

Checks and Balances: A system dividing power among branches or bodies so no single group dominates.

Committee: A smaller group within a larger body assigned to study issues, draft proposals, or make recommendations.

Consent Calendar: A group of routine items voted on together without discussion. Useful for efficiency, but controversial issues can be hidden inside.

Cronyism: Favoritism shown to friends, allies, or loyalists in appointments and contracts, regardless of qualifications.

Deliberation: Open discussion and reasoning before making a decision. Essential for legitimacy in democracy.

Delegation: The transfer of authority from a governing body to an executive, manager, or committee. Needs oversight to prevent abuse.

Disenfranchisement: The denial or removal of voting rights, whether through law, policy, or practice.

Executive Authority: The power to carry out laws and manage administration. Requires oversight to prevent overreach.

Faction: A subgroup within a larger body united by a specific interest or loyalty.

Filibuster: A delay tactic where prolonged debate or procedural maneuvers block a vote.

Gerrymandering: Manipulating electoral district boundaries to favor one party or group.

Guardrails: Formal and informal limits on power — rules, institutions, and norms that keep democracy balanced.

Incumbent: A person currently holding office, often with advantages in re-election or reappointment.

Legitimacy: The acceptance of authority as rightful. In democracy, legitimacy comes from fair rules, transparency, and participation.

Minority Rights: Protections that ensure less numerous voices can be heard even when outvoted.

Minutes: The official written record of what occurred in a meeting. Accuracy and timeliness are key.

Motion: A formal proposal for action in a meeting. Under Robert’s Rules, motions are the building blocks of decision-making.

Norms: Unwritten expectations that guide behavior. Erosion of norms often precedes formal breakdown.

Omnibus Bill: A large legislative package combining many measures into one vote — sometimes used to rush controversial items.

Oversight: The monitoring of officials, committees, or agencies to ensure they act properly and lawfully.

Patronage: Giving jobs, contracts, or favors in return for loyalty.

Precedent: A past decision or practice that sets the standard for future action.

Pretext: A stated reason used to justify an action, often masking the real motive.

Quorum: The minimum number of members required to be present for a body to act. Without quorum, decisions are invalid.

Roll-Call Vote: A recorded vote showing how each member voted. Provides accountability compared to voice votes.

Rule of Law: The principle that everyone — including leaders — is bound by established laws, applied fairly.

Sunset Clause: A provision causing a law or power to expire after a set time unless renewed.

Transparency: Open access to information, records, and processes so citizens or members can evaluate decisions.

Veto Point: A stage in decision-making where one actor or group can block progress, even against majority will.

Whistleblower: An insider who exposes misconduct, illegality, or abuse of power. Democracies rely on protections for whistleblowers.