382 GLoSSARy
voters who actually “turn out” on Election Day to
cast their ballots.
Voting-Age Population The number of people of
voting age living in the country at a given time,
regardless of whether they have the right to vote.W
War Powers Resolution A law passed in 1973
spelling out the conditions under which the
president can commit troops without congressional
approval.
Whig Party A major party in the United States
during the first half of the nineteenth century,
formally established in 1836. The Whig Party
was anti-Jackson and advocated spending on
infrastructure.
Whip A member of Congress who aids the majority
or minority leader of the House or the Senate.
Whistleblower In the context of government,
someone who brings gross governmental
inefficiency or an illegal action to the public’s
attention.
White House office The personal office of the
president, which tends to presidential political
needs and manages the media.
White Primary A state primary election that
restricted voting to whites only. Outlawed by the
Supreme Court in 1944.
Writ of Certiorari An order issued by a higher court
to a lower court to send up the record of a case for
review.
Writ of Habeas Corpus Habeas corpus means,
literally, “you have the body.” A writ of habeas corpus
is an order that requires jailers to bring a prisoner
before a court or judge and explain why the person
is being held.Twenty-fifth Amendment A 1967 amendment to the
Constitution that establishes procedures for filling
presidential and vice-presidential vacancies and
makes provisions for presidential incapacity.
Two-Party System A political system in which only
two parties have a reasonable chance of winning.U
Unanimous opinion A court opinion or
determination on which all judges agree.
Unemployment The inability of those who are in the
labor force to find a job.
Unicameral Legislature A legislature with only one
legislative chamber, as opposed to a bicameral (two-
chamber) legislature, such as the U.S. Congress.
Today, Nebraska is the only state in the Union with a
unicameral legislature.
Unitary System A centralized governmental system
in which ultimate governmental authority rests in
the hands of the national, or central, government.
Unit Rule A rule by which all of a state’s electoral
votes are cast for the presidential candidate who
receives a plurality of the votes in that state.
Universal Suffrage The right of all adults to vote for
their representatives.V
Veto Message The president’s formal explanation
of a veto, which accompanies the vetoed legislation
when it is returned to Congress.
Vote-Eligible Population The number of people who,
at a given time, enjoy the right to vote in national
elections.
Voter Turnout The percentage of citizens taking
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