A constitutional crisis refers to a situation where a constitution is unable to resolve a question or conflict or when governmental bodies are in deadlock. In her memoir, Cheney addresses instances that she perceives as amounting to a constitutional crisis, especially in the wake of the January 6 events. She explores how the actions and decisions of political figures during this period tested the limits and interpretations of the US Constitution.

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.