Final answer:
A formal or official recording of items, names, or actions is called a record, such as the Congressional Record, which documents legislative actions in the U.S., and firmans, which were official decrees in the Ottoman Empire.
Step-by-step explanation:
A formal or official recording of items, names, or actions is called a record. In the context of government operations, such as those of the United States Congress, an official record is essential for transparency and historical documentation. One key example is the Congressional Record, which is a comprehensive compilation of all the proceedings, discussions, and legislative actions taken during the sessions of both chambers of Congress. This publication aligns with the U.S. Constitution's requirement stated in Section 5, Clause 3, which mandates both chambers to keep and release an official documentation of their proceedings, thereby serving as an official record to inform the public and ensure accountability.
In a broader sense, historical or governmental records like firmans in the Ottoman Empire functioned similarly as official decrees, licenses, or orders issued by the ruler. Whether in the form of published journals like the Congressional Record, or edicts from historical rulers, maintaining an official record is a practice that has been crucial throughout history for governance, law, and the preservation of information for posterity.