Annual Message to Congress: A speech the president delivers before Congress each year. Originally called the Annual Message to Congress and delivered each November, the speech became known as the State of the Union Address and is delivered each January.

Bar: A term that encompasses all certified lawyers—those who have passed all official requirements (the bar exam) to be certified as lawyers.

Capitol Hill: A nickname for Congress, since the Capitol building where Congress holds sessions is located on a small hill.

Consul: A diplomat stationed in a foreign country who advises people from his or her own country on legal matters.

Continental Congress: The group of representatives who met to establish the United States.

Electoral votes: The votes a presidential candidate receives for having won a majority of the popular vote in a state.

Federalist Party: An American political party of...