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U.S. House members and state representatives are elected by district. Those districts are updated each decade after the census in a process known as redistricting.
At the federal level, the two categories of budgetary expenditures are entitlement and discretionary spending.
Democracies require openness and honesty in government. This means government policymaking and institutions function in public view.
Political advocacy is a cornerstone of democracy. This includes the ability to lobby public officials. However, professional lobbyists may exert outsized influence on policymakers.
Civic engagement can take many forms: individual volunteerism, organizational development and leadership, public service, and electoral participation.
Block grants and unfunded mandates are two government budgetary practices that can have significant implications for lower levels of government.
Federal and state governments have tried to change budget rules to control government spending. Budget rules have also been used to impose fiscal discipline.
Under the U.S. Constitution, people are entitled to compensation when a government takes their property. This is known as a taking.
One indicator of sensible fiscal practices is maintaining balance between spending and revenues. Occasional deficits may be necessary.