Federal Reserve

The central bank of the United States of America that was founded by Congress in 1913. It is responsible for supervising all bank and credit organizations in the U.S. (both private and public), enforcing credit law, forming U.S. monetary policy, providing financial services to the U.S. government and foreign banking systems, and most importantly, avoiding inflation and depression by controlling U.S. interest rates.

Alan Greenspan has been the chairman of the Federal Reserve for a long time, changing interest rates on many occasions.

by Nicolai August 12, 2004

warlord

The independent leader of a private military detachment which uses civil dominion over the residents of a region, usually by military force.

Bosnia, Serbia, and several similar countries used to be ruled by warlord factions in the 1990s until NATO and expeditionary forces brought about factional demise.

by Nicolai April 10, 2004

Presidential Order of Succession

Under the 25th Amendment of the Constitution of the United States of America (1967), in the event that the President of the United States, for any reason, is unable to continue the Presidential duties, this is the order that is followed to determine whom will succeed to the Presidency. The most immediate official on the list will always be the next in line (unless that official, as well, is unable to continue his or her duties). An official, though his or her office may be part of the succession, will be passed over for the succession if he or she does not meet all of the requirements set forth by the United States Constitution. This list is also known as the Order of Presidential Succession. The order is:

Vice President of the United States
Speaker of the House of Representatives
President Pro-Tempore of the United States Senate
Secretary of State
Secretary of the Treasury
Secretary of Defense
Attorney General
Secretary of the Interior
Secretary of Agriculture
Secretary of Commerce
Secretary of Labor
Secretary of Health and Human Services
Secretary of Housing and Urban Development
Secretary of Transportation
Secretary of Energy
Secretary of Education
Secretary of Veteran's Affairs
Secretary of Homeland Security

The Presidential Order of Succession has never been utilized beyond the point of Vice President.

by Nicolai August 11, 2004

goosestep

The official march of the Third Reich of Nazi Germany.

Hauptmann Heikschlapps goosestepped all over, until the Allies shot him.

by Nicolai January 25, 2004

secretary of state

The head of the United States Department of State, whom is often seen as the chief foreign advisor and diplomat (besides the President) in the United States. He or she must be appointed by the President of the United States and confirmed by the United States Congress before he or she can take the oath of office. He or she serves at the cabinet level for as long as the appointing President is in power.

The Secretary of State is fourth in line in the Presidential Order of Succession.

by Nicolai August 11, 2004

congresswoman

A term used to describe an elected official (female) of the United States Congress, specifically the lower house of Congress (known as the House of Representatives).

After an arduous campaign, Jane became a congresswoman.

by Nicolai August 11, 2004

Oberst

The equivalent to a colonel in the Third Reich (1920s-1945). The rank of Standartenführer was discarded by Germany after the fall of the Third Reich.

Rudolph was an oberst.

by Nicolai February 15, 2004