Incrementalism
Small changes in policy over long periods of time; usually in reference to budget-making--that the best indicator of this year's budget is last year's budget plus a small increase.
Agenda Setting
The constant process of forming the list of issues to be addressed by government.
Political Agenda
A set of issues and policies laid out by ideological or political groups; as well as topics under discussion by an governmental executive, or a cabinet in government that tries to influence current and near-future political news and debate.
Policy Formulation
The crafting of appropriate and acceptable proposed courses of action to ameliorate or resolve public problems.
Policy Adoption
The approval of a policy proposal by the people with the requisite authority, such as legislature.
Policy Implementation
The process of carrying out public policy through governmental agencies and the courts.
Policy Evaluation
The process of determining whether a course of action is achieving it's intended goals.
Environmental Impacts Statement
A report required by federal law that assesses the possible effect of a project on the environment if the project is subsidized in whole or part by federal funds.
Discretionary Spending
Spending set by the government through appropriations bills, including operation expenses and salaries of government employees (defense, environment, education, space exploration)
National Debt
The total deficit from the first presidency down to the present
Federal Budget
A document detailing how the federal government will spend money during a fiscal year.
Social Welfare Programs
Government programs designed to improve quality of life.
Entitlement Programs
Income security program to which all those meeting eligibility criteria are entitled.
Fiscal Year
A 12-month pd, October through Septmeber, for planning the federal budget.
Appropriations
Money granted by Congress or to a state legislature for a specific purpose.
North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA)
Agreement that promotes free movement of goods and services among Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
Mandatory Spending
Required government spending by permanent laws.
Constitutional Law
Laws relating to the interpretation of the Constitution.