"Joint resolution" is a legislative term used to refer to a proposal that is jointly passed by both houses of a legislative body. The word "joint" is spelled /dʒɔɪnt/, representing the consonant cluster /dʒ/ and the vowel sound /ɔɪ/. "Resolution" is spelled /rɛzəluʃən/, representing the consonant sounds /r/, /z/, /l/, and /ʃ/ and the vowel sounds /ɛ/, /ə/, and /u/. Knowing the IPA phonetic transcription can help with accurate spelling and pronunciation of complex technical terms.
A joint resolution is a formal legislative document that is passed by both chambers of a bicameral legislature, such as the United States Congress. Typically, it requires the approval of a majority of members in both the Senate and the House of Representatives. A joint resolution has the force of law, just like a bill, and is used to address specific matters or issues.
Joint resolutions are commonly employed to propose constitutional amendments, initiate changes to existing laws, establish policies, or express the collective opinions of the legislature on significant matters. Unlike bills, joint resolutions do not require the signature of the president to become law, unless they are intended to amend the Constitution.
Joint resolutions are often used in the process of determining the annual budget, as they offer a more streamlined approach for enacting specific spending plans or authorizing special funding. They can also be used to declare war, terminate treaties, or establish temporary procedures.
Joint resolutions bear similarities to bills and concurrent resolutions, but they have distinct differences. Unlike bills, joint resolutions are not used for general legislation, and unlike concurrent resolutions, they possess the same legal effect as bills, as they are passed by both chambers and may consequently become law.
In summary, a joint resolution is a legislative measure passed by both houses of a bicameral legislature, carrying the force of law and primarily used to address specific matters of constitutional amendments, laws, policies, or collective opinions.
The word "joint resolution" has its etymology rooted in the combination of two separate words: "joint" and "resolution".
1. Joint: The term "joint" originated from the Old French word "joint", meaning "joined" or "connected". It ultimately derives from the Latin word "iunctus", which also means "joined" or "united". In the context of a joint resolution, "joint" signifies the collective or combined effort of multiple parties.
2. Resolution: The word "resolution" comes from the Middle English word "resolucioun", which was borrowed from the Latin word "resolutionem", meaning "a loosening, releasing, dissolving". It is derived from the Latin word "resolvere", which means "to loosen" or "to untie".