This comprehensive glossary is designed to help you navigate the complex world of public and government affairs. Whether you are a student, professional, or simply interested in understanding the intricacies of policy-making, this resource provides clear definitions of key terms and concepts. From legislative processes to advocacy strategies, our glossary covers a wide range of topics essential for anyone engaged in or studying public affairs. Dive in and enhance your knowledge of the mechanisms that shape our societies and influence decision-making at all levels. You are missing a term? Get in touch.
Accountability (Verantwortlichkeit 🇩🇪, Responsabilité 🇫🇷, Rendición de cuentas 🇪🇸): Used universally in democratic political systems to ensure that individuals and organizations are held responsible for their actions. Accountability involves the obligation to explain and justify actions and decisions.
Adjournment (Vertagung 🇩🇪, Ajournement 🇫🇷, Aplazamiento 🇪🇸): Common in legislative bodies worldwide, including the US Congress and the UK Parliament. Adjournment refers to the suspension of a session of a legislative body.
Advocate (Anwalt 🇩🇪, Avocat 🇫🇷, Defensor 🇪🇸): Used universally to describe individuals who support or recommend particular causes or policies. Advocates often work to influence public opinion and policy decisions.
Advocacy (Förderung 🇩🇪, Plaidoyer 🇫🇷, Abogacía 🇪🇸): Used universally to describe efforts to influence public opinion and policy decisions. Advocacy involves raising awareness, changing policies, and mobilizing resources for specific issues.
Allocation (Zuweisung 🇩🇪, Allocation 🇫🇷, Asignación 🇪🇸): Commonly used in budgetary and financial planning contexts across various political systems. Allocation refers to the distribution of resources or duties for a particular purpose.
Amendment (Änderung 🇩🇪, Amendement 🇫🇷, Enmienda 🇪🇸): Used in legislative processes globally, including the US Congress and the UK Parliament. An amendment is a formal change or addition proposed during the debate on a bill.
Appropriation (Bewilligung 🇩🇪, Affectation 🇫🇷, Apropiación 🇪🇸): The allocation of funds for specific government projects or programs. Commonly used in budgetary contexts within various political systems.
Ballot (Stimmzettel 🇩🇪, Bulletin de vote 🇫🇷, Boleta 🇪🇸): A process of voting, typically in writing and usually secret. Ballots are used universally in democratic elections.
Bicameral (Zweikammer 🇩🇪, Bicaméral 🇫🇷, Bicameral 🇪🇸): A legislative body having two chambers, such as the US Congress (Senate and House of Representatives) and the UK Parliament (House of Commons and House of Lords).
Bill (Gesetzentwurf 🇩🇪, Projet de loi 🇫🇷, Proyecto de ley 🇪🇸): A draft of a proposed law presented for approval to a legislative body. Used in legislative processes worldwide, including in the US, UK, and many other countries.
Bipartisanship (Überparteilichkeit 🇩🇪, Bipartisme 🇫🇷, Bipartidismo 🇪🇸): The agreement or cooperation of two political parties that usually oppose each other’s policies. Typically used in the US political system.
Budget (Haushalt 🇩🇪, Budget 🇫🇷, Presupuesto 🇪🇸): A financial plan detailing the government’s projected revenue and expenditures. Used universally in government financial planning.
Bureaucracy (Bürokratie 🇩🇪, Bureaucratie 🇫🇷, Burocracia 🇪🇸): A system of administration characterized by strict procedures, formal division of responsibilities, and hierarchical organization. Used universally in the context of managing large institutions, including governments.
Cabinet (Kabinet 🇩🇪, Cabinet 🇫🇷, Gabinete 🇪🇸): A group of senior officials appointed by the head of state or government to head executive departments and advise on policy. Commonly used in parliamentary systems such as the UK and Canada, as well as in presidential systems like the US.
Campaign (Kampagne 🇩🇪, Campagne 🇫🇷, Campaña 🇪🇸): An organized effort to influence decision-making within a specific group. In politics, it refers to activities and events aimed at electing a candidate to public office or promoting a policy initiative. Used universally.
Caucus (Fraktion 🇩🇪, Caucus 🇫🇷, Comité 🇪🇸): A meeting of members of a particular political party or faction to coordinate policies or select candidates. Commonly used in the US political system.
Census (Volkszählung 🇩🇪, Recensement 🇫🇷, Censo 🇪🇸): An official count or survey of a population. Used universally, with notable examples including the US Census.
Charter (Charta 🇩🇪, Charte 🇫🇷, Carta 🇪🇸): A written grant by a legislative or sovereign power. Commonly used to describe founding documents of organizations and municipalities.
Checks and Balances (Kontrollmechanismen 🇩🇪, Freins et contrepoids 🇫🇷, Pesos y contrapesos 🇪🇸): A system that ensures no one branch of government becomes too powerful. Used primarily in the US political system.
Civic Duty (Bürgerpflicht 🇩🇪, Devoir civique 🇫🇷, Deber cívico 🇪🇸): The responsibilities of a citizen. Used universally to describe obligations such as voting and jury service.
Civic Engagement (Bürgerschaftliches Engagement 🇩🇪, Engagement civique 🇫🇷, Participación cívica 🇪🇸): Civic engagement involves individuals actively participating in the political and community life of their society. This includes voting, volunteering, joining civic groups, and other activities that promote the public good. Used universally.
Clerk (Schriftführer 🇩🇪, Greffier 🇫🇷, Secretario 🇪🇸): An official responsible for maintaining records. Used universally in various legislative and judicial contexts.
Cloture (Schlussantrag 🇩🇪, Clôture 🇫🇷, Clotura 🇪🇸): A procedure for ending a debate and taking a vote in a legislative assembly. Commonly used in the US Senate.
Coalition (Koalition 🇩🇪, Coalition 🇫🇷, Coalición 🇪🇸): An alliance of political parties or factions to form a government or pursue a common goal. Common in parliamentary systems, such as Germany.
Cohabitation (Cohabitation 🇫🇷): A situation in the French political system where the President and the Prime Minister belong to different political parties, requiring them to share power.
Committee (Ausschuss 🇩🇪, Comité 🇫🇷, Comité 🇪🇸): A group of people appointed for a specific function by a larger group and typically consisting of members of that group. Committees are essential in legislative bodies for detailed analysis and recommendation on various issues. Used universally.
Community Engagement (Gemeinschaftliches Engagement 🇩🇪, Engagement communautaire 🇫🇷, Compromiso comunitario 🇪🇸): Community engagement involves working collaboratively with community groups to address issues that impact their well-being. It is a fundamental aspect of effective governance and social development. Used universally.
Constituency (Wahlkreis 🇩🇪, Circonscription 🇫🇷, Circunscripción 🇪🇸): A geographic area represented by an elected official. The term also refers to the body of voters or residents in that area who elect representatives to legislative bodies. Used universally.
Debate (Debatte 🇩🇪, Débat 🇫🇷, Debate 🇪🇸): A formal discussion on a particular topic in a legislative assembly. Used universally.
Decree (Dekret 🇩🇪, Décret 🇫🇷, Decreto 🇪🇸): An official order issued by a legal authority. Commonly used in various political systems, including France.
Delegate (Delegierter 🇩🇪, Délégué 🇫🇷, Delegado 🇪🇸): A person authorized to represent others, particularly in a conference or legislative assembly. Used universally.
Dissent (Meinungsverschiedenheit 🇩🇪, Dissentiment 🇫🇷, Disidencia 🇪🇸): The expression or holding of opinions at variance with those previously, commonly, or officially held. Used universally.
Diplomacy (Diplomatie 🇩🇪, Diplomatie 🇫🇷, Diplomacia 🇪🇸): The practice of managing international relations, typically by a country’s representatives abroad. It involves negotiation, communication, and representation to promote national interests and maintain peaceful relationships. Used universally.
Docket (Protokoll 🇩🇪, Dossier 🇫🇷, Registro de casos 🇪🇸): A calendar or list of cases for trial or people having cases pending. Commonly used in judicial systems.
Earmark (Kennzeichen 🇩🇪, Marque 🇫🇷, Asignación 🇪🇸): Funds that are directed to a specific project, typically by a member of Congress. Commonly used in the US political system.
Election (Wahl 🇩🇪, Élection 🇫🇷, Elección 🇪🇸): A formal process in which voters select candidates for public office or decide on policy measures. Elections are fundamental to democratic systems, enabling citizens to choose their representatives and influence government actions. Used universally.
Electoral College (Wahlkollegium 🇩🇪, Collège électoral 🇫🇷, Colegio Electoral 🇪🇸): A body of electors chosen to elect the president and vice president of the United States. Specific to the US political system.
Enactment (Verabschiedung 🇩🇪, Promulgation 🇫🇷, Promulgación 🇪🇸): The process of passing legislation. Used universally in legislative contexts.
Executive (Exekutiv 🇩🇪, Exécutif 🇫🇷, Ejecutivo 🇪🇸): The branch of government responsible for implementing and enforcing laws. It is headed by a president or prime minister and includes other key officials and administrative agencies. Used universally.
Executive Order (Verordnung des Präsidenten 🇩🇪, Ordre exécutif 🇫🇷, Orden ejecutiva 🇪🇸): A directive issued by a president or governor that has the force of law. Commonly used in the US political system.
Fellowship (Stipendium 🇩🇪, Bourse 🇫🇷, Beca 🇪🇸): A financial grant awarded to support a student’s education or research. Used universally in academic contexts.
Filibuster (Filibuster 🇩🇪, Filibuster 🇫🇷, Filibusterismo 🇪🇸): A prolonged speech that obstructs progress in a legislative assembly. Commonly used in the US Senate.
Fiscal Year (Geschäftsjahr 🇩🇪, Année fiscale 🇫🇷, Año fiscal 🇪🇸): A year as reckoned for taxing or accounting purposes. Used universally in financial contexts.
Gavel (Hammer 🇩🇪, Maillet 🇫🇷, Mazo 🇪🇸): A small ceremonial mallet used by a judge or an auctioneer. Commonly used in legislative and judicial contexts.
Governance (Regierungsführung 🇩🇪, Gouvernance 🇫🇷, Gobernanza 🇪🇸): The processes, structures, and organizational traditions that determine how power is exercised, decisions are made, and citizens or stakeholders are given a voice. It includes government, corporate, and non-profit governance. Used universally.
Government Relations (Regierungsbeziehungen 🇩🇪, Relations gouvernementales 🇫🇷, Relaciones gubernamentales 🇪🇸): Managing interactions between an organization and government officials or agencies. It aims to influence public policy and build beneficial relationships with policymakers. Used universally.
Grassroots (Basisarbeit 🇩🇪, Mobilisation populaire 🇫🇷, Base de apoyo 🇪🇸): Movements involving the ordinary people of a community working together to bring about social or political change. Common in democratic political systems.
Hearing (Anhörung 🇩🇪, Audience 🇫🇷, Audiencia 🇪🇸): A formal meeting or session in which evidence and arguments are presented, typically before a legislative or judicial body. Used universally.
Impeachment (Amtsenthebung 🇩🇪, Impeachment 🇫🇷, Impeachment 🇪🇸): The process by which a legislative body brings charges against a public official. Commonly used in the US political system.
Inauguration (Einweihung 🇩🇪, Inauguration 🇫🇷, Inauguración 🇪🇸): The formal admission of someone to office. Commonly used in political contexts worldwide.
Incumbent (Amtsinhaber 🇩🇪, Titulaire 🇫🇷, Titular 🇪🇸): The current holder of a political office. Used universally.
Intergovernmental (Zwischenstaatlich 🇩🇪, Intergouvernemental 🇫🇷, Intergubernamental 🇪🇸): Interactions and collaborations between different levels or units of government, such as local, state, and federal authorities. Used universally.
Judicial (Judikativ 🇩🇪, Judiciaire 🇫🇷, Judicial 🇪🇸): The branch of government responsible for interpreting laws and administering justice. It includes courts and judges who resolve legal disputes and ensure laws are applied fairly. Used universally.
Jurisdiction (Gerichtsbarkeit 🇩🇪, Juridiction 🇫🇷, Jurisdicción 🇪🇸): The official power to make legal decisions and judgments. Used universally.
Legislation (Gesetzgebung 🇩🇪, Législation 🇫🇷, Legislación 🇪🇸): Laws and statutes enacted by a legislative body, such as a parliament or congress. Used universally.
Legislative (Legislativ 🇩🇪, Législatif 🇫🇷, Legislativo 🇪🇸): The branch of government responsible for making laws. It consists of elected representatives, such as senators and members of parliament. Used universally.
Legislative Session (Legislaturperiode 🇩🇪, Session législative 🇫🇷, Sesión legislativa 🇪🇸): The period during which a legislature is convened for the purpose of lawmaking. Used universally.
Lobby (Lobby 🇩🇪, Lobby 🇫🇷, Lobby 🇪🇸): A group of people seeking to influence politicians or public officials on a particular issue. Used universally.
Lobbying (Lobbyarbeit 🇩🇪, Lobbying 🇫🇷, Lobbying 🇪🇸): The act of influencing decision-makers, often legislators, to support or oppose specific legislation or policies. Commonly used in the US and EU.
Majority (Mehrheit 🇩🇪, Majorité 🇫🇷, Mayoría 🇪🇸): More than half of the members of a legislative body. Used universally.
Mandate (Mandat 🇩🇪, Mandat 🇫🇷, Mandato 🇪🇸): The authority granted by a constituency to act as its representative. Used universally.
Minister (Minister 🇩🇪, Ministre 🇫🇷, Ministro 🇪🇸): A head of a government department. Commonly used in parliamentary systems, such as those in the Europe (see difference to State Secretary).
Minority (Minderheit 🇩🇪, Minorité 🇫🇷, Minoría 🇪🇸): Less than half of the members of a legislative body. Used universally.
Motion (Antrag 🇩🇪, Motion 🇫🇷, Moción 🇪🇸): A formal proposal put to a legislative assembly or committee. Used universally.
Municipality (Gemeinde 🇩🇪, Municipalité 🇫🇷, Municipio 🇪🇸): A local government entity that administers a city, town, or district. Used universally.
Nonpartisan (Überparteilich 🇩🇪, Non partisan 🇫🇷, No partidista 🇪🇸): Not biased or affiliated with any political party. Used universally.
Omnibus Bill (Sammelgesetz 🇩🇪, Loi omnibus 🇫🇷, Ley ómnibus 🇪🇸): A proposed law that covers a number of diverse or unrelated topics. Commonly used in the US Congress.
Ordinance (Verordnung 🇩🇪, Ordonnance 🇫🇷, Ordenanza 🇪🇸): A law or regulation enacted by a municipal authority. Used universally.
Override (Überstimmen 🇩🇪, Outrepasser 🇫🇷, Anulación 🇪🇸): The process by which a legislative body overturns a veto by the executive. Commonly used in the US political system.
Parliament (Parlament 🇩🇪, Parlement 🇫🇷, Parlamento 🇪🇸): The highest legislative authority in a country. Commonly used in the UK, Canada, and other parliamentary systems.
Parliamentarian (Parlamentarier 🇩🇪, Parlementaire 🇫🇷, Parlamentario 🇪🇸): An expert in parliamentary procedures and rules. Commonly used in parliamentary systems.
Partisan (Parteigänger 🇩🇪, Partisan 🇫🇷, Partidario 🇪🇸): A strong supporter of a party, cause, or person. Used universally.
Petition (Petition 🇩🇪, Pétition 🇫🇷, Petición 🇪🇸): A formal written request signed by many people, appealing to an authority concerning a particular cause or issue. Commonly used in democratic systems.
Plebiscite (Volksabstimmung 🇩🇪, Plébiscite 🇫🇷, Plebiscito 🇪🇸): A direct vote by the electorate on an important public question. Used in various political systems, including France and Switzerland.
Plenary (Plenum 🇩🇪, Plénière 🇫🇷, Plenaria 🇪🇸): A session attended by all members of a legislative body. Used universally.
Plurality (Pluralität 🇩🇪, Pluralité 🇫🇷, Pluralidad 🇪🇸): The number of votes cast for a candidate who receives more than any other but does not receive an absolute majority. Used universally.
Policy (Politik 🇩🇪, Politique 🇫🇷, Política 🇪🇸): A course or principle of action adopted or proposed by an organization or individual, especially within government or business contexts. Used universally.
Policy Brief (Politikbrief 🇩🇪, Note de politique 🇫🇷, Informe de política 🇪🇸): A concise document that presents findings and recommendations on a specific issue to inform and guide policymakers. Used universally.
Political Action (Politische Aktion 🇩🇪, Action politique 🇫🇷, Acción política 🇪🇸): Activities aimed at influencing government policy or election outcomes. Used universally.
Pork Barrel (Pork Barrel 🇩🇪, Baril de porc 🇫🇷, Barril de cerdo 🇪🇸): Government spending for localized projects to bring money to a representative’s district. Commonly used in the US political system.
Precedent (Präzedenzfall 🇩🇪, Précédent 🇫🇷, Precedente 🇪🇸): An earlier event or action regarded as an example or guide to be considered in subsequent similar circumstances. Used universally.
Primary (Primärwahl 🇩🇪, Primaire 🇫🇷, Primaria 🇪🇸): An election to select candidates for a principal election. Commonly used in the US political system.
Proclamation (Verkündung 🇩🇪, Proclamation 🇫🇷, Proclamación 🇪🇸): An official announcement. Used universally.
Proxy (Vertreter 🇩🇪, Procuration 🇫🇷, Apoderado 🇪🇸): The authority to represent someone else, especially in voting. Used universally.
Public Affairs Specialist (Spezialist für öffentliche Angelegenheiten 🇩🇪, Spécialiste des affaires publiques 🇫🇷, Especialista en asuntos públicos 🇪🇸): A public affairs specialist manages an organization’s interactions with government, media, and the public. They develop strategies to influence public policy, enhance the organization’s image, and communicate key messages. Used universally.
Public Interest (Öffentliches Interesse 🇩🇪, Intérêt public 🇫🇷, Interés público 🇪🇸): The welfare or well-being of the general public. Actions or policies that serve the public interest aim to benefit society as a whole. Used universally.
Public Opinion (Öffentliche Meinung 🇩🇪, Opinion publique 🇫🇷, Opinión pública 🇪🇸): The collective attitudes and beliefs of individuals on certain issues or policies. It is measured through surveys and polls and significantly influences political decisions and policy-making. Used universally.
Public Policy (Öffentliche Politik 🇩🇪, Politique publique 🇫🇷, Política pública 🇪🇸): The system of laws, regulatory measures, and funding priorities set by governmental entities. It reflects the social, economic, and political values of a society and aims to address public issues and improve the welfare of citizens. Used universally.
Quorum (Beschlussfähigkeit 🇩🇪, Quorum 🇫🇷, Quórum 🇪🇸): The minimum number of members needed to conduct business in a legislative body. Used universally.
Ratification (Ratifikation 🇩🇪, Ratification 🇫🇷, Ratificación 🇪🇸): The formal approval of an agreement, treaty, or constitution. Used universally.
Recess (Pause 🇩🇪, Récess 🇫🇷, Receso 🇪🇸): A temporary interruption in a legislative session. Used universally.
Reconciliation (Versöhnung 🇩🇪, Réconciliation 🇫🇷, Reconciliación 🇪🇸): A legislative process intended to allow consideration of a budget bill with debate limited to twenty hours. Commonly used in the US political system.
Redistricting (Wahlkreisneueinteilung 🇩🇪, Redécoupage 🇫🇷, Redistribución 🇪🇸): The process of drawing new electoral district boundaries. Commonly used in the US political system.
Referendum (Referendum 🇩🇪, Référendum 🇫🇷, Referéndum 🇪🇸): A referendum is a direct vote by the electorate on a particular proposal or issue. It allows citizens to decide on specific legislative measures or constitutional amendments directly. Used in various political systems, including Switzerland and the UK.
Regulation (Regulierung 🇩🇪, Réglementation 🇫🇷, Regulación 🇪🇸): Rules or directives made and maintained by an authority to regulate conduct within a community or organization. Used universally.
Regulatory Affairs (Regulierungsangelegenheiten 🇩🇪, Affaires réglementaires 🇫🇷, Asuntos regulatorios 🇪🇸): Managing compliance with laws and regulations governing an organization’s operations. Professionals in this field work to ensure that their organizations meet all legal requirements and standards. Used universally.
Resolution (Resolution 🇩🇪, Résolution 🇫🇷, Resolución 🇪🇸): A formal expression of opinion or intention agreed on by a legislative body. Used universally.
Rider (Rider 🇩🇪, Cavalier 🇫🇷, Adición 🇪🇸): An additional provision added to a bill under consideration. Commonly used in the US political system.
Roll Call (Namensaufruf 🇩🇪, Appel nominal 🇫🇷, Lista nominal 🇪🇸): The process of calling out a list of names to establish who is present or how they vote. Used universally.
Senate (Senat 🇩🇪, Sénat 🇫🇷, Senado 🇪🇸): The upper chamber of a bicameral legislature. Commonly used in the US, France, and other parliamentary systems.
Session (Sitzung 🇩🇪, Session 🇫🇷, Sesión 🇪🇸): A meeting or series of meetings of a legislative body. Used universally.
Simple Majority (Einfache Mehrheit 🇩🇪, Majorité simple 🇫, Mayoría simple 🇪🇸): More than half of the votes cast. Used universally.
Speaker (Sprecher 🇩🇪, Président 🇫🇷, Presidente 🇪🇸): The presiding officer of a legislative assembly. Commonly used in the UK and other parliamentary systems.
Statute (Statut 🇩🇪, Statut 🇫🇷, Estatuto 🇪🇸): A written law passed by a legislative body. Used universally.
Subcommittee (Unterausschuss 🇩🇪, Sous-comité 🇫🇷, Subcomité 🇪🇸): A smaller committee composed of members of a larger committee. Used universally.
Suffrage (Wahlrecht 🇩🇪, Suffrage 🇫🇷, Sufragio 🇪🇸): The right to vote in political elections. Used universally.
Testimony (Zeugenaussage 🇩🇪, Témoignage 🇫🇷, Testimonio 🇪🇸): A formal statement or declaration given under oath, typically in a legal or legislative setting. Used universally.
Think Tank (Denkfabrik 🇩🇪, Groupe de réflexion 🇫, Grupo de expertos 🇪🇸): An organization that conducts research and provides expert advice on public policy issues. Used universally.
Transparency (Transparenz 🇩🇪, Transparence 🇫🇷, Transparencia 🇪🇸): Openness, accountability, and honesty in government actions and decision-making processes. Used universally.
Unicameral (Einkammer 🇩🇪, Unicaméral 🇫, Unicameral 🇪🇸): A legislative body having a single chamber. Commonly used in smaller or more centralized governments.
Veto (Veto 🇩🇪, Véto 🇫, Veto 🇪🇸): The power of a president or governor to reject a bill passed by a legislature. Used universally.
Whip (Fraktionschef 🇩🇪, Whip 🇫, Jefe de disciplina 🇪🇸): A party member in a legislative body responsible for enforcing party discipline and ensuring attendance for votes. Commonly used in the UK and US political systems.