Political Jargon Flashcards
“The Hill”
Term for capitol hill, the legislative branch
Bipartisan
the agreement or cooperation if two political parties that are usually oppose each other’s politics
Blue State
a state that predominantly votes/supports the Democratic Party
Bully Pulpit
a public office or position of authority that provides its occupants with an outstanding opportunity to speak out on any issues
Coattails Effect
a popular political party leader attracts votes for other candidates of the same party during an election
Conservative
holding to traditional attitudes and values and cautions about change or innovation
Constituent
being a voting member of a community or organization and having the power to appoint or elect
Demographics
statistical data related to the population and particular groups within it
Earmark
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
Entitlement
programs providing mandated, guaranteed, required benefits to those who meet the eligible requirements and qualifications
Flip-flopper
a shift in opinion
Free-Rider Problem
Market failure that occurs when people take advantage of being able to use common resources without paying for it.
Gender Gap
the difference in opportunities,status, etc. between men and women.
Gerrymandering
The drawing of legislative district boundaries to benefit a party, group, or incumbent.
GOP
Grand Old Party also known as the Republican Party
Grassroots
focuses on citizens or ‘common people’ to help with a specific agenda item or movement
Gridlock
the inability of the government to act because of rival parties control different parts of the government
Independent Expenditure
A political campaign communication that expressly advocates for the election or the defeat of a candidate
Inside the Beltway
Refers to issues that are relevant to the federal government and its contractors rather than the areas outside Washington D.C
K Street
In Washington D.C, Known as the center for numerous Lobbyist.
Lameduck
A politician who’s power has been diminished because of electoral defeat or statutory limitation.
Liberal
Favors more government regulation of business and support for social welfare but less regulation of private social conduct.
Libertarian
A person who is conservative on economic issues but liberal on personal conduct issues.
Litigation
Taking legal action through a judicial process.
Lobbyist
A person who takes part in a organized attempt to influence legislators.
Logrolling
Two or more members of Congress agree in advance to support each other’s bills
Mandate
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.
Partisan
A strong supporter of a party, person, or a cause.
Party Platform
A political party’s formal statement of basic principles , objectives, and positions on major issues.
Polarization
When two opposing sides feel intensely about an issue that is difficult to compromise on.
Political Action Committee (PAC)
An organization that raises money privately to influence elections or legislation.
Political Culture
Widely shared belief, values, and norms about how citizens relate to governments and to one another.
Political Efficacy
Citizens faith and trust in government and their beliefs that they can understand and influence political affairs.
Political Socialization
People form their ideas about politics and acquire political values.
Political Suicide
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.
Pork Barrel Spending
The appropriation of government spending for localization projects secured solely or primarily to bring money to a representative’s district.
POTUS
President of the United States
Rank and File
The ordinary members of an organization as opposed to its leaders.
Red State
Refers to the states where Republican candidates have carried the electoral vote.
Red Tape
Complex bureaucratic rules and procedure that must be followed to get something done.
Safe Seat
A legislature seat that is likely to be retained with a large majority in an election.
SCOTUS
Supreme Court of the United States
Sound Bite
A memorable comment that can fit into a news broadcast
Spin Control
Deflecting negative public attention.
Stump Speech
Give the same speech over and over again throughout a campaign.
Super PAC
Political-action committee that is allowed to raise and spend unlimited money from corporations, unions, individuals, and associations.
Superdelegate
Party leaders and elected officials who become delegates to the national convention without having to run to primaries and caucuses.
Swing State
A U.S. state where the two major political parties have similar levels of support among voters.
Talking Points
A statement designed to support persuasively one side taken on an issue.
Whistle Blower
An employee that exposes unethical or illegal conduct within the federal government or one of it contractors.
