AP GOVERNMENT Flashcards
“The Hill”
Nickname for Capitol Hill
Bipartisan
of or involving the agreement or cooperation of two political parties that usually oppose each other’s policies
Blue State
Refers to the states where the Democratic candidate carried the electoral vote
Bully Pulpit
The president’s use of his prestige and visibility to guide or enthuse to the American public.
Coattails Effect
the boost that candidates get in an election because of the popularity of candidates above them on the ballot, especially the president
Conservative
One who favors more limited and local government, less government regulation of markets, and more social conformity to traditional norms and values
Constituent
being a voting member of a community
Demographics
characteristics of a population, including age, sex, and race. Demographics are often used to determine changes in the make-up of a population.
Earmark
pet projects added to appropriation bills by congressmen, called “wasteful spending” and “pork barrel legislation” by critics.
Entitlements
those benefits guaranteed by law paid to individuals by the fed gov, such as social security
Flip-flopper
a U-turn, or reversal of position, a sudden shift in opinion
Free-Rider Problem
The problem faced by unions and other groups when people do not join because they can benefit from the groups’ activities without officially joining. The bigger the group, the more serious the problem
Gender Gap
Differences in political views between men and women
Gerrymandering
state legislatures, based on pol affiliation, create congressional districts, many of which are oddly shaped and factor the pol party in power in the state making the changes.
GOP
Grand Old Party , another way of identifying the Republican Party
Grassroots
political participation at the local level.
Gridlock
describes people’s perception that Congress and the pres are in a state of disagreement that results in little legislation passing.
Independent Expenditure
non-federally regulated campaign contribs made by special interest groups, labor unions, and corporations to pol action committees and pol parties; also called soft money.
Inside the Beltway
an idiom that refers to the highway that has surrounded Washington D.C. since 1964. This term refers to issues that are relevant to the federal government and its contractors rather than to areas outside Washington D.C.
K Street
K Street is a major thoroughfare in the United States capital of Washington, D.C. known as a center for numerous think tanks, lobbyists, and advocacy groups. Lobby and lobbyist.
