Political Jargon

Question 1

“The Hill”

Answer 1

Term for capitol hill, the legislative branch

Question 2

Bipartisan

Answer 2

the agreement or cooperation if two political parties that are usually oppose each other’s politics

Question 3

Blue State

Answer 3

a state that predominantly votes/supports the Democratic Party

Question 4

Bully Pulpit

Answer 4

a public office or position of authority that provides its occupants with an outstanding opportunity to speak out on any issues

Question 5

Coattails Effect

Answer 5

a popular political party leader attracts votes for other candidates of the same party during an election

Question 6

Conservative

Answer 6

holding to traditional attitudes and values and cautions about change or innovation

Question 7

Constituent

Answer 7

being a voting member of a community or organization and having the power to appoint or elect

Question 8

Demographics

Answer 8

statistical data related to the population and particular groups within it

Question 9

Earmark

Answer 9

a provision inserted into a discretionary spending appropriations bill that directs funds to a specific recipient while circumventing the merit-based or competitive funds allocation process

Question 10

Entitlement

Answer 10

programs providing mandated, guaranteed, required benefits to those who meet the eligible requirements and qualifications

Question 11

Flip-flopper

Answer 11

a shift in opinion

Question 12

Free-Rider Problem

Answer 12

Market failure that occurs when people take advantage of being able to use common resources without paying for it.

Question 13

Gender Gap

Answer 13

the difference in opportunities,status, etc. between men and women.

Question 14

Gerrymandering

Answer 14

The drawing of legislative district boundaries to benefit a party, group, or incumbent.

Question 15

GOP

Answer 15

Grand Old Party also known as the Republican Party

Question 16

Grassroots

Answer 16

focuses on citizens or ‘common people’ to help with a specific agenda item or movement

Question 17

Gridlock

Answer 17

the inability of the government to act because of rival parties control different parts of the government

Question 18

Independent Expenditure

Answer 18

A political campaign communication that expressly advocates for the election or the defeat of a candidate

Question 19

Inside the Beltway

Answer 19

Refers to issues that are relevant to the federal government and its contractors rather than the areas outside Washington D.C

Question 20

K Street

Answer 20

In Washington D.C, Known as the center for numerous Lobbyist.

Question 21

Lameduck

Answer 21

A politician who’s power has been diminished because of electoral defeat or statutory limitation.

Question 22

Liberal

Answer 22

Favors more government regulation of business and support for social welfare but less regulation of private social conduct.

Question 23

Libertarian

Answer 23

A person who is conservative on economic issues but liberal on personal conduct issues.

Question 24

Litigation

Answer 24

Taking legal action through a judicial process.

Question 25

Lobbyist

Answer 25

A person who takes part in a organized attempt to influence legislators.

Question 26

Logrolling

Answer 26

Two or more members of Congress agree in advance to support each other’s bills

Question 27

Mandate

Answer 27

Requirements that local government and states to provide additional services under the threat of penalties or as a condition of the receipt of federal grant money.

Question 28

Partisan

Answer 28

A strong supporter of a party, person, or a cause.

Question 29

Party Platform

Answer 29

A political party’s formal statement of basic principles , objectives, and positions on major issues.

Question 30

Polarization

Answer 30

When two opposing sides feel intensely about an issue that is difficult to compromise on.

Question 31

Political Action Committee (PAC)

Answer 31

An organization that raises money privately to influence elections or legislation.

Question 32

Political Culture

Answer 32

Widely shared belief, values, and norms about how citizens relate to governments and to one another.

Question 33

Political Efficacy

Answer 33

Citizens faith and trust in government and their beliefs that they can understand and influence political affairs.

Question 34

Political Socialization

Answer 34

People form their ideas about politics and acquire political values.

Question 35

Political Suicide

Answer 35

A concept by which a politician or political party loses widespread support and confidence from the voting public by proposing actions that are seen as unfavorable or might threaten the status quo.

Question 36

Pork Barrel Spending

Answer 36

The appropriation of government spending for localization projects secured solely or primarily to bring money to a representative’s district.

Question 37

POTUS

Answer 37

President of the United States

Question 38

Rank and File

Answer 38

The ordinary members of an organization as opposed to its leaders.

Question 39

Red State

Answer 39

Refers to the states where Republican candidates have carried the electoral vote.

Question 40

Red Tape

Answer 40

Complex bureaucratic rules and procedure that must be followed to get something done.

Question 41

Safe Seat

Answer 41

A legislature seat that is likely to be retained with a large majority in an election.

Question 42

SCOTUS

Answer 42

Supreme Court of the United States

Question 43

Sound Bite

Answer 43

A memorable comment that can fit into a news broadcast

Question 44

Spin Control

Answer 44

Deflecting negative public attention.

Question 45

Stump Speech

Answer 45

Give the same speech over and over again throughout a campaign.

Question 46

Super PAC

Answer 46

Political-action committee that is allowed to raise and spend unlimited money from corporations, unions, individuals, and associations.

Question 47

Superdelegate

Answer 47

Party leaders and elected officials who become delegates to the national convention without having to run to primaries and caucuses.

Question 48

Swing State

Answer 48

A U.S. state where the two major political parties have similar levels of support among voters.

Question 49

Talking Points

Answer 49

A statement designed to support persuasively one side taken on an issue.

Question 50

Whistle Blower

Answer 50

An employee that exposes unethical or illegal conduct within the federal government or one of it contractors.