Glossary of Terms
The average Citizen of the United States must be able to understand this Charter. Certain terms must be clarified to remove doubt about their meaning.
Charter, Constitution, and Constitutional
In this document, “Charter” refers to the text you are reading now. “Constitution” refers to the United States Constitution ratified in 1789. The term “Constitutional” refers to whatever body of law is, at the relevant time, the supreme governing document of the United States—either the 1789 Constitution or this Charter, if and when it is ratified.
Will, Shall, or Must
In this Charter, the terms “will” and “shall” carry equal weight and impose legal obligation. The term “must” carries greater urgency and immediate necessity. For example: If my car needs an oil change and has a flat tire, I “will” or “shall” get an oil change soon, but I “must” change the tire before I can drive it.
Undefined Terms
Any undefined term in this Charter will be interpreted in light of its ordinary public meaning, consistent with the Charter’s purpose of securing liberty, equality, and lawful government by consent of the People.
Administrative Law
Rules, procedures, and decisions created by government agencies under authority granted by Congress or the Charter. It does not carry the same legal weight as constitutional law or statutes enacted by Congress.
Animus
Hostility, bias, or discriminatory intent toward a particular person or group, whether expressed openly or embedded in laws, policies, or institutional practices.
Armistice
A military agreement for the cessation of hostilities between nations, non-state actors, or a combination. It is not as binding as a treaty.
Bill of Attainder
A law that declares a specific person or group guilty of a crime and imposes punishment without a trial.
Cease-Fire
An immediate and temporary halt to active hostilities, typically ordered to allow humanitarian relief, prevent escalation, or create space for negotiation.
Censure
A formal statement of disapproval issued by an official body, without removing the person from office.
Civil Rights
Legal protections established by the Charter to safeguard the Natural Rights of all Persons and ensure equal treatment under the law.
Community of Interest
A population sharing significant social, cultural, economic, or historical characteristics, whose integrity should be preserved when drawing electoral districts.
Consent of the Governed
The principle that the government derives its legitimacy and authority from the voluntary agreement of the People, expressed through mechanisms such as elections, referenda, and reaffirmation of the Charter.
Declaratory Relief
A court judgment that defines the legal rights or status of parties without ordering any specific action or awarding damages.
Due Process
The legal requirement that the government must respect all rights owed to a Person under the law, including fair procedures, notice, and an opportunity to be heard before any deprivation of life, liberty, or property.
Executive Order(s)
Executive orders are directives issued by the President to carry out or administer the laws of the United States. They are valid only when grounded in statutory or constitutional authority. Executive Orders are legally binding but of relatively low weight compared to other laws.
Habeas Corpus
The right of a Person to challenge their detention before a court and demand justification for their imprisonment. Under this Charter, habeas corpus is absolute and inviolate.
Implied Powers
Powers not expressly stated in this Charter but reasonably necessary to carry out those that are. These powers may not be used to suppress or discourage the exercise of any enumerated Right.
In Rem Jurisdiction
Legal authority exercised over property itself rather than a person; this Charter prohibits in rem jurisdiction, requiring all legal actions to be directed at persons, not objects.
Injunction/Injunctive Relief
An injunction is a court order that requires a person or entity to do or refrain from doing a specific act to prevent harm or enforce legal rights. Injunctive relief is the legal remedy in which a court issues an injunction to prevent harm, enforce rights, or maintain the status quo.
Natural Rights
Fundamental rights that belong to all human beings by virtue of their humanity. They exist independently of any government and are the foundation of all legitimate law.
Persons
All human beings recognized under this Charter as holders of Natural and Civil Rights, regardless of age, nationality, or citizenship status.
Probable Cause
A reasonable and factual basis to believe that a crime has been, is being, or will be committed, required for the issuance of a judicial warrant or other government action affecting Rights.
Public Advocacy
Speech or activity intended to influence public opinion, policy, or elections. Under this Charter, public advocacy during election periods is subject to rules that protect fairness, including restrictions on negative campaigning within specified timeframes.
Ranked Choice Voting
A voting method in which voters rank candidates in order of preference. If no candidate receives a majority of first-choice votes, the lowest-ranked candidates are eliminated and their votes redistributed until one candidate achieves a majority.
Recognition (of Foreign Governments or Organizations)
The formal acknowledgement by the President of another government or organization as having legitimate, legal authority. Under this Charter, a meeting between the President and representatives of a government or non-state organization does not confer recognition, and the President is required to state whether recognition is being extended explicitly.
Recusal
The required act of a judge or official withdrwing from a case or matter due to a conflict of interest or the appearance of bias.
Referendum
A direct vote by Citizens to decide a specific issue, policy, or constitutional question. Under this Charter, referenda are binding.
Remand
1) The act of the President returning a bill to Congress with written recommendations for revision, rather than issuing a veto.
2) A court’s order sending a case back to a lower court or agency for further action or correction per the higher court’s ruling.
Republic
A system in which the People hold Sovereign power and govern through accountable institutions under a fixed Charter of Rights. A Republic is a form of democracy—structured to limit power, protect Rights, and ensure that all authority derives from the consent of the governed. Claims that a Republic is not a democracy are incorrect; a true Republic is a constitutional democracy in which the People are the ultimate source of lawful authority.
Sovereign/Sovereignty
The ultimate authority to govern, which under this Charter resides with the People. Citizens are the Sovereign source of all governmental power, and no institution may claim legitimacy except through their consent.
Standing
The right to bring a legal claim in court. Under this Charter, any Person has standing if they have suffered harm, face a credible threat of harm, or if their Rights are being limited. Citizens may also bring claims in the public interest when the court has the power to grant relief.
Treaty
A formal and binding agreement between the United States and a foreign government or entity, negotiated by the President and requiring approval by two-thirds of the Senate.
Truce
A mutually agreed pause in hostilities between opposing parties, typically with specific terms or objectives. A truce is more structured and deliberate than a cease-fire, often reflecting a coordinated effort to de-escalate or negotiate.
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