Politcal Jargon Flashcards
“The Hill”
short for Capitol Hill
bipartisan
of or involving the agreement or cooperation of two political parties that usually oppose each other’s policies
Blue State
a US state that predominantly votes for or supports the Democratic Party
Bully Pulpit
a public office or position of authority that provides its occupant with an outstanding opportunity to speak out on any issue.
Coattails Effect
the tendency for a popular political party leader to attract votes for other candidates of the same party in an election. For example, in the United States, the party of a victorious presidential candidate will often win many seats in Congress as well; these Members of Congress are voted into office “on the coattails” of the president.
Conservative
holding to traditional attitudes and values and cautious about change or innovation, typically in relation to politics. The central tenets of conservatism include tradition, human imperfection, organic society, hierarchy and authority and property rights.
Constituent
being a voting member of a community or organization and having the power to appoint or elect.
Demographics
statistical data relating to the population and particular groups within it.
Earmark
designate (something, typically funds or resources) for a particular purpose.
Entitlements
a government program guaranteeing access to some benefit by members of a specific group and based on established rights or by legislation
Flip-flopper
a sudden change of policy or opinion by a public official.
Free-Rider Problem
occurs when those who benefit from resources, goods, or services do not pay for them, which results in an underprovision of those goods or services.
Gender Gap
the discrepancy in opportunities, status, attitudes, etc., between men and women.
Gerrymandering
manipulate the boundaries of (an electoral constituency) so as to favor one party or class
GOP
Grand Old Party (Republican Party)
Grassroots
A movement in which one uses the people in a given district, region, or community as the basis for a political or economic movement.
Gridlock
“political stalemate” refers to a situation when there is difficulty passing laws that satisfy the needs of the people.
Independent Expenditure
a political campaign communication that expressly advocates the election or defeat of a clearly identified candidate that is not made in cooperation, consultation or concert with or at the request or suggestion of a candidate, candidate’s authorized committee or political party.
Inside the Beltway
an American idiom used to characterize matters that are, or seem to be, important primarily to officials of the U.S. federal government
K Street
a major thoroughfare in the United States capital of Washington, D.C. known as a center for numerous think tanks, lobbyists, and advocacy groups
Lameduck
An elected official who is approaching the end of their tenure. The official is often seen as having less influence with other politicians due to their limited time left in office.
Liberal
A political and moral philosophy based on liberty and equality. They generally support civil rights, democracy, secularism, gender and race equality, internationalism and the freedoms of speech, the press, religion and markets.
Libertarian
A collection of political philosophies and movements that uphold liberty as a core principle. Libertarians seek to maximize political freedom and autonomy, emphasizing freedom of choice, voluntary association and individual judgment. Libertarians share a skepticism of authority and state power, but they diverge on the scope of their opposition to existing political and economic systems
Litigation
the process of taking legal action.
