  We consider the Standard Model as an effective theory at the weak scale $v$
of a generic new strong interaction that dynamically breaks electroweak
symmetry at the energy scale $\Lambda\sim $ (few) TeV. Assuming only the
minimal field content with the Standard Model fermions and gauge bosons, but
without a light Higgs particle, we construct the complete Lagrangian through
next-to-leading order, that is, including terms of order $v^2/\Lambda^2$. The
systematics behind this expansion is clarified. Although similar to chiral
perturbation theory, it is not governed by the dimension of operators alone,
but depends in an essential way on the loop expansion. Power-counting formulas
are derived that indicate the classes of operators required at the
next-to-leading order. The complete set of operators at leading and
next-to-leading order is then listed, based on the restrictions implied by the
Standard-Model gauge symmetries. We recover the well-known operators discussed
in the literature in connection with the electroweak chiral Lagrangian and in
similar contexts, but we collect a complete and systematic list of all terms
through order $v^2/\Lambda^2$. This includes some operators not discussed in
explicit terms before. We also show that a few of the previously considered
operators can be eliminated via the equations of motion. As another important
result we confirm the known list of dimension-6 operators in the Standard Model
with an elementary Higgs doublet, essentially as a special case of our
scenario.
