APGOVSUM18.Adrian.Olivares Flashcards
To define commonly used words in the course
Inside the beltway
a phrase used to describe matters that are important to U.S. government officials.
Flip-flopper
a sudden, unexpected change in a policy, value, or belief.
superdelegate
A party leader or official elected as an unofficial delegate to a national political convention.
Soundbite
A brief, striking remark or statement taken out of context for insertion into a broadcast news story.
Rank and File
The members of a group or party separate of its leaders.
Bipartisan
Representing or including members from two parties or factions.
Swing State
An unpredictable state when it comes to political party voting.
Stump Speech
A standard campaign speech given by someone running for office.
Lobbyist
A person who tries to persuade the people to his desired vote.
Red Tape
Spending more time than necessary to complete something.
Gerrymander
To unfairly divide voting districts to advance one candidate.
Polarization
A division into opposing groups.
Lame Duck
An official who is not reelected, but is continuing in office till his successor takes office.
Pork Barrell Spending
Setting aside funds for a specific project.
Coattails Effect
Dragging officers of the same party ticket into office with you; voting a straight ticket.
Grassroots
Having financial support from many different sources.
Party Platform
The basis of what a given party is about.
“the hill”
Capital Hill
Bully Pulpit
The freedom to speak on any matter and push the audience around.
Logrolling
Trading favors among politicians.
Earmark
Funds set aside for a specific purpose.
Political Acton Comitte
An organization designed to raise money for a specific political candidate.
Political Suicide
An action one makes, destroying his political chances.
Talking Points
Certain topics you want to be sure are discussed.
Wisitle Blower
Certain topics you want to be sure are discussed.
Gender Gap
The differences between men and women.
Red State
a US state that predominantly votes for or supports the Republican Party.
Safe Seat
a legislative seat that is likely to be retained with a large majority in an election.
SCOTUS
the Supreme Court of the United States.
Spin Control
the act or practice of attempting to manipulate the way an event is interpreted by others.
Super PAC
a type of independent political action committee which may raise unlimited sums of money from corporations, unions, and individuals but is not permitted to contribute to or coordinate directly with parties or candidates.
Mandate
Requirements that direct states and local governments to provide additional services under the threat of penalties or as a condition of the the receipt of federal grant money. For example the drinking age within states.
Partisan
a strong supporter of a party, cause, or person.
Political Culture
is a set of attitudes and practices held by a people that shapes their political behavior.
Political Efficacy
is the citizens’ faith and trust in government and their belief that they can understand and influence political affairs.
Political Socialization
is the process by which individuals learn and frequently internalize a political lens framing their perceptions of how power is arranged and how the world around them is organized.
Blue State
a US state that predominantly votes for or supports the Democratic Party.
Conservative
a person who is averse to change and holds to traditional values and attitudes, typically in relation to politics.
Constituent
people who live and vote in a government officials district or state.
Demographics
relating to the structure of populations.
Entitlements
the fact of having a right to something.
Free-Rider Program
occurs when those who benefit from resources, public goods, or services do not pay for them, which results in an underprovision of those goods or services.
POTUS
President of the United States.
GOP
another way of identifying the Republican Party.
Gridlock
a traffic jam affecting a whole network of intersecting streets.
Independent Expenditure
is a political campaign communication that expressly advocates for the election or defeat of a clearly identified candidate that is not made in cooperation
Liberal
One with Liberal views.
Liberation
the act of setting someone free from imprisonment, slavery, or oppression; release.
Litigation
the process of taking legal action.
