Executive order

A directive from the president that must be obeyed like a law. Executive orders cover everything from the deadly serious to the deadly dull. Eisenhower used one to call up federal troops. President George W. Bush used one to tell federal agencies they had to buy office equipment that used no more than one watt of energy in standby mode.

Unlawful assemblages, combinations, and conspiracies

Two or more people who come together to do really bad things.

Obstruction of justice

Intentionally interfering with legal processes. It's a crime, so, you know, don't do it.

Cease and desist

Basically, stop what you're doing this minute and don't do it again.

United States District Court

A federal court where civil and criminal trials are heard. Each state has at least one district court. Some states are subdivided into additional districts, such as the Eastern District of Arkansas.

Vest

To give someone a legal authority or right, as in "by the authority vested in me by the Constitution."

Statutes of the United States

The official collection of the nation's permanent laws. Also called the U.S. Code, it's a massive document that needs to be updated regularly. Because even "permanent" laws can change.

Title 3

One of 54 titles that make up the U.S. Code. Each title covers a broad subject area; Title 3 outlines the laws that pertain to the presidency.

Section 301

The part of Title 3 of the U.S. Code that says the president can delegate another person within the federal government to carry out his or her orders.

Title 10

The part of the U.S. Code that deals with the armed forces.

Chapter 15

The part of Title 10 of the U.S. Code that covers insurrections against federal authority. With all these numbers, it's amazing anyone can even find these laws.

Section 332

The part of Chapter 15, Title 10, U.S. Code, that says the president can put state militias like the National Guard under federal control to enforce federal law or to put down a rebellion against the federal government.

Section 333

The part of Chapter 15, Title 10, U.S. Code, that says the president can use the military to enforce federal law if state authorities refuse to protect the constitutional rights of "any part or class of its people." As in Black kids who are forcibly kept out of school against court orders.

Section 334

The part of Chapter 15, Title 10, U.S. Code, that says if the president decides to call out the military, he or she must first give the protesters the opportunity to "disperse and retire peaceably." Because it's polite to ask folks to go home before sending in guys with guns.

Secretary of Defense

The head honcho of the Department of Defense who oversees all branches of the U.S. military. Only the president has more power over the military than SecDef.