Oath and Honor: A Memoir and a Warning

Constitutional duty refers to the obligations and responsibilities that government officials, particularly members of Congress, have under the US Constitution. In Cheney’s memoir, the emphasis on constitutional duty is paramount, especially in the context of the events of January 6 and their aftermath. She explores how adherence to these duties is crucial for maintaining the rule of law and democratic principles and critically examines instances where she believes these duties were neglected or violated by her peers.

This term relates to the formal process of confirming the results of a presidential election by Congress including the count of the electoral vote, which began on January 6. Cheney’s work examines the significance of this process in the American electoral system, the Trump-led attempts to disrupt it on January 6, and the broader implications of such disruption for the functioning of democracy.

Electoral integrity concerns the fairness, accuracy, and honesty of electoral processes. Cheney’s book sheds light on the significance of electoral integrity in the context of the 2020 presidential election. She discusses the various challenges and allegations regarding electoral processes, emphasizing the importance of trust in the electoral system for the functioning of a healthy democracy. The term also encompasses the broader implications of how electoral integrity impacts public confidence in democratic institutions.

Impeachment proceedings are a formal process where government officials can be charged with misconduct. Cheney’s narrative delves into the impeachment proceedings against former President Donald Trump, offering insight into the political and legal processes involved. She discusses the implications of these proceedings for American democracy and her own role in them, providing a unique perspective on the tensions and debates that surrounded this historic event. House of Representatives impeachments can be upheld or overturned by Congress; generally, the success or failure of an impeachment process is seen to rely on the party-political majority in the House and/or Congress at the time.

This term refers to the House Select Committee established to investigate the January 6, 2021, attack on the United States Capitol. In Cheney’s narrative, the committee’s formation, activities, and findings are central, highlighting its role in uncovering the truth behind the attack, assessing the failures in security and governance, and upholding democratic principles in the face of unprecedented challenges.

These terms relate to the spread of false or misleading information, particularly regarding the 2020 presidential election. Cheney’s narrative addresses how misinformation and disinformation have influenced public opinion, fueled political division, and contributed to events like the Capitol attack, underlining the threat they pose to the integrity of democratic processes. Misinformation is false information, with or without intent to mislead. Disinformation is deliberately misleading information or propaganda.

National security threats in the context of Oath and Honor include both external and internal challenges to the safety and stability of the United States. Cheney discusses various threats she perceives to national security, particularly those arising from the political turmoil and divisions within the country. Her analysis offers insight into the complexities of maintaining national security in a politically charged environment.

Partisan politics in Cheney’s memoir refers to the actions and attitudes driven by allegiance to a particular political party, often at the expense of broader national interests. She critically examines how partisan politics played a role in the events leading up to and following the January 6 attack, including how it influenced the responses of political figures and affected the overall political climate in the US.

Political accountability in Cheney’s book refers to the responsibility of elected officials and political actors to answer for their actions, especially in relation to upholding democratic values and the Constitution. The term is explored through various incidents, including the response to the Capitol attack and the rhetoric surrounding the 2020 election results.

Political polarization refers to the increasing ideological division and conflict between political parties, which is a prominent theme in Cheney’s memoir. She discusses how political polarization has impacted governance in the US, particularly in the context of the 2020 election and its aftermath. Cheney’s perspective provides insight into how this polarization has affected the functioning of democratic institutions and the political discourse in the country.

Presidential powers and limits are a key aspect of Cheney’s discussion on governance and the role of the executive branch. She examines how presidential powers were exercised during the Trump administration, particularly in relation to the events leading up to and following the January 6 attack. Cheney provides a critical perspective on the balance of power and the constitutional limits on the presidency and on the dangers of a president who is willing to exploit his powers and thwart their limits.