AP Gov Political Jargon Flashcards
“The Hill”
Another name that refers to the U.S. Congress
Bipartisan
When two political parties who usually oppose
each other are involved in an agreement or
cooperation
Blue State
A state within the U.S. that usually supports the
Democratic Party
Bully Pulpit
A public office or position that offered a platform in
which the occupant could speak out on an issue
Coattails Effect
Also known as the down-ballot effect. When a popular political candidate attracts votes for another candidate of the same party
Conservative
Political and social philosophy promoting traditional social institutions
Constitution
The basic and fundamental law of a state that dictates how a state will be organized
Demographics
Statistical data relating to the population and particular groups within it
Earmark
Government funds determined by a legislator for a specific reason, often to further one’s own interest
Entitlements
Programs that are government funded and provide benefits to those who are eligible
Flip-flopper
A reversal of a position
Free-Rider Problem
The problem in that those who benefit from resources, public goods, or service do not pay for them.
Gender Gap
Term that refers to the pattern that women are more likely to support a Democratic candidate
Gerrymandering
Deliberate rearrangement of the boundaries of congressional districts to influence the outcome of elections
GOP
Stands for “Grand Old Party” Symbol of the Republican Party
Grassroots
Type of social movement/organization that relies on high levels of participation to promote social change
Gridlock
Situation in which it is difficult to pass a law
Independent Expenditure
Political campaign funded to advocate for the election or defeat of a candidate, must remain independent from the candidates
Inside the Beltway
Refers to the highway that surround DC. Refers to issues strictly specific to the federal government
K Street
Major thoroughfare in D.C. Popular center for lobbyists and advocate groups
Lameduck
Official in the final period of office often having less influence due to their limited time left
Liberal
Political doctrine that takes protecting and enhancing the freedom of the individual to be the central problem of politics
Libertarian
Political view that seeks to maximize political freedom and emphasizes freedom of choice
Litigation
Process of taking legal action
Lobbyist
Someone who attempts to influence the actions, policies, and/or decisions of an official
Logrolling
Also known as vote trading, The act of voting/agreeing on a proposition. Usually trying to secure votes for bills that will benefit their home districts
Mandate
The authority to carry out a policy or course of action usually given by the elected official
Partisan
Used to refer to politicians who strongly support their party’s policies and are slow to compromise
Party Platform
A set of fundamental goals of a political party
Polarization
A person’s stance on a certain subject is most likely to be strictly defined by their identification with a political party
Political Action Committee (PAC)
Committee organized for the purpose of raising money to using that money to defeat/elect candidates
Political Culture
Widely shared and agreed thoughts that determines the relationship between citizens and government/relationship between citizens.
Political Efficacy
A citizen’s belief and trust in government and their belief that they can influence politics
Political Socialization
Ongoing process in which people develop and form their political ideas and values
Political Suicide
When a politician or party loses widespread support from voters because an action was proposed that is seen as unfavorable by the public
Pork Barrel Spending
Allocated government spending with the primary intent of bringing money to a representative’s district
POTUS
Short for “President of the United States”
Rank and File
Ordinary members of an organization
Red State
A state that generally votes/sides Republican
Red Tape
Overly conforming to regulation/excessive bureaucracy
Safe Seat
Electoral district that is likely to be retained with a large majority
SCOTUS
“Supreme Court of the United States”
Sound Bite
A small clip from a speech or statement
Spin Control
An attempt to manipulate the outcome of event by changing the way it is viewed by others
Stump Speech
A standardized speech usually used by a politician running for office is scheduled for many appearances
Super PAC
Political action committee that is allowed to give unlimited amounts of money to a candidate/political party and the money comes from individual donors, labor unions, and nonprofits
Superdelegate
Unelected delegate who is free to support any candidate for the presidential nomination
Swing State
An important state that doesn’t necessarily lean left or right that is considered to be very important in a presidential election
Talking Points
Statements meant to support a specific side on an issue
Whistle Blower
Someone who reports misconduct/illegal activity within one’s own company or organization
