Umbrella group A pressure group that brings together a number of other groups under a common label.

Under-vote Casting a ballot that is either incomplete or cannot be counted.

Unfunded mandates Federal laws that require the states to implement certain policies but fail to provide state governments with sufficient funding to implement those policies.

Ungoverned space A term used by policy-makers and academics to describe a region of the world in which lawlessness reigns and good governance is all but impossible. They are often failed states.

Unified government A situation in which one party holds a majority of seats in the House and Senate and the President is a member of that same party. United government may also be used.

Unilateral action (international) Independent acts of foreign policy undertaken by a state without the assistance of other states. Since Vietnam, the US has been far less willing to take unilateral action.

Unilateral action (presidential) Any policy decision made and acted upon by the President and his staff without the approval of Congress. Such decisions may occur without consultation with the legislative branch.

Unitary executive theory A theory which stipulates that the President controls the entire executive branch of government as based upon Article 2 of the Constitution. In essence, it is the notion that the vesting clause of the Constitution gives the Head of State the authority to issue orders and policy directives that cannot be undone by Congress. Supreme Court justice Samuel Alito is rumored to support the unitary executive theory. Critics however claim that it represents a blueprint for an imperial presidency.

United Nations (UN) An international organization made up of representatives from around the world with a mission to promote peace and cooperation, uphold international law, and provide humanitarian aid. Right-wing Republicans are highly critical of the UN.

United States Trade Representative (USTR) An agency founded in order to negotiate with foreign governments to create trade agreements, resolve disputes and participate in global trade policy organizations. In accordance with our system of checks and balances, the Senate can refuse to sign a Treaty negotiated by the USTR.

Universalism The informal congressional norm of distributing the benefits of legislation in a way that serves the interests of as many states and districts as possible. One of the common examples is a road building program which can incorporate a number of districts/states.