Legislative Subject Term
Short Definition
The legislative subject term vocabulary consists of approximately 1,000 subjects, geographic entities, and organization.
Long Explanation
The legislative subject term vocabulary consists of approximately 1,000 subjects, geographic entities, and organization names. CRS may assign one or many terms to describe a measure’s substance and effects. The legislative subject term vocabulary is consistently used for all bills and resolutions introduced since 2009 (111th Congress). Terms assigned to a bill can be seen from the “View All Subjects” link to the right of each bill’s overview. Find Bills by Subject and Policy Area provides subject term search guidance. See also, policy area term.
In practice, Legislative Subject Term is useful because it helps a visitor connect a word or phrase to government records, official decisions, public services, or civic responsibilities. When you see the term in an official source, ask which office has authority, what decision is being made, which deadline or rule matters, and where the public record can be checked.
Examples
Common Misconception
A common mistake is treating Legislative Subject Term as a slogan instead of a term connected to a specific public process. The safest approach is to ask what authority, document, deadline, office, or public record gives the term its meaning.
Related Terms
Legislative ProcessLegislationGovernment Resources
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