Legislative Process Terminology

verb to make changes or additions to a document or text in order to improve it or correct errors

• The committee decided to amend the proposal before presenting it to the board.
• I need to amend my order because I forgot to add an extra item.
• I'll just quickly amend this document before sending it out.
• Sometimes we need to amend our attitudes in order to improve our relationships.

noun a legislative body, such as the Senate in the United States, that is usually smaller and more deliberative than the lower house

• The upper house of parliament is responsible for reviewing and approving legislation passed by the lower house.
• Members of the upper house are often referred to as senators.
• The upper house is where all the big decisions get made.
• In the political landscape, the upper house acts as a check and balance to the lower house.

noun the chief officer of a government cabinet in certain countries, such as Scotland

• The First Minister addressed the nation in a televised speech.
• The First Minister is the head honcho around here.
• The First Minister is the big cheese in the government.
• The First Minister is the captain of the ship when it comes to making important decisions.