concurrent resolution: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (C2+)Formal, Technical, Governmental/Legal
Quick answer
What does “concurrent resolution” mean?
A legislative measure passed by both houses of a legislature (like the US Congress) that expresses a joint opinion or makes a joint statement on a matter, but does not have the force of law and does not require the signature of the executive (e.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A legislative measure passed by both houses of a legislature (like the US Congress) that expresses a joint opinion or makes a joint statement on a matter, but does not have the force of law and does not require the signature of the executive (e.g., the President).
More broadly, it can refer to the process of achieving simultaneous agreement or settlement on multiple, potentially conflicting, issues or processes within an organization or system. In computing, it can describe the handling of multiple processes or threads to reach a unified state or outcome.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Primarily an American political term. In the UK Parliament, the closest equivalent is a 'motion' or a 'resolution' passed by both Houses, but the specific procedural term 'concurrent resolution' is not used. The UK system does not have an exact parallel to the US distinction between joint, concurrent, and simple resolutions.
Connotations
In US usage, it connotes bicameral agreement without executive force. In UK/Commonwealth contexts, if used, it would be interpreted descriptively rather than as a formal procedural term.
Frequency
Extremely rare in British English. Common only in specific American governmental, academic, or historical contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “concurrent resolution” in a Sentence
[Legislative Body] passed a concurrent resolution [on/regarding/concerning X]A concurrent resolution [expressing/stating/declaring] Y was adopted.To [achieve X] via a concurrent resolution.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “concurrent resolution” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The committee sought to concurrently resolve the budget and staffing issues.
- The two processes must concurrently resolve their states.
American English
- The houses worked to concurrently resolve the procedural dispute.
- The system is designed to concurrently resolve multiple data requests.
adverb
British English
- The houses acted concurrently to resolve the issue.
- The reports were published concurrently.
American English
- The two chambers passed the measure concurrently.
- The systems failed concurrently.
adjective
British English
- The concurrent resolution process is less common here.
- They reached a concurrent resolution on the matter.
American English
- The concurrent resolution authority is outlined in the statute.
- A concurrent resolution vote was scheduled.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used. Might appear in corporate governance to describe parallel committee decisions, but 'joint resolution' or 'unanimous consent' is preferred.
Academic
Used in political science, American history, and public policy courses to describe US legislative procedure.
Everyday
Extremely rare. A layperson is unlikely to encounter or use this term.
Technical
Core usage is in US government and law. In computer science, 'concurrent' and 'resolution' might appear separately in phrases like 'concurrent conflict resolution'.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “concurrent resolution”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “concurrent resolution”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “concurrent resolution”
- Using it to refer to a law. (e.g., 'The concurrent resolution made it illegal...' is wrong.)
- Assuming it requires the President's signature.
- Using it in non-American contexts without explanation.
- Confusing it with 'concurrent' as in 'happening at the same time but unrelated'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, a concurrent resolution does not have the force of law. It is a formal expression of opinion or intent agreed upon by both legislative chambers but is not presented to the executive for signature or veto.
A joint resolution (e.g., SJ Res. or HJ Res.) is also passed by both houses but is presented to the President and can become law (e.g., to approve war powers or propose constitutional amendments). A concurrent resolution (e.g., S Con Res or H Con Res) is not sent to the President and does not become law.
The specific term is unique to the US political system. Other countries may have similar mechanisms (like motions agreed by both houses), but they are not called 'concurrent resolutions'.
Congress uses concurrent resolutions for matters internal to Congress (like setting the congressional budget), expressing sentiments, establishing joint committees, or adjourning. It's for actions that do not need to, or constitutionally cannot, have the force of law binding on the public.
A legislative measure passed by both houses of a legislature (like the US Congress) that expresses a joint opinion or makes a joint statement on a matter, but does not have the force of law and does not require the signature of the executive (e.
Concurrent resolution is usually formal, technical, governmental/legal in register.
Concurrent resolution: in British English it is pronounced /kənˌkʌrənt ˌrɛzəˈluːʃ(ə)n/, and in American English it is pronounced /kənˌkɜːrənt ˌrɛzəˈluːʃ(ə)n/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “It has all the force of a concurrent resolution. (idiomatic for something lacking practical power)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of two cars (the two houses of Congress) arriving CONCURRENTLY (at the same time) at a RESOLUTION (a decision/statement), but the traffic cop (the President) doesn't need to sign their agreement for it to be official between them.
Conceptual Metaphor
GOVERNMENT IS A MACHINE: A concurrent resolution is a specific procedural cog that aligns two chambers without engaging the executive engine.
Practice
Quiz
What is a key characteristic of a concurrent resolution in the US system?