political jargon Flashcards
flash cards
“the hill”
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.
Conservative
a person who is averse to change and holds to traditional values and attitudes, typically in relation to politics.
Constituent
The individuals who live within the geographical area represented by an elected official
Demographics
statistical data relating to the population and particular groups within it.
Earmark
“hidden” congressional provision that directs federal government to fund specific project or exempts specific people or groups from paying specific federal taxes or fees. division vote.
Entitlements
government-sponsored programs providing mandated/guaranteed/required benefits to those who meet eligibility requirements/qualifications.
Flip Flopper
a U-turn, or reversal of position, a sudden shift in opinion
Free Rider Problem
a market failure that occurs when people take advantage of being able to use a common resource, or collective good, without paying for it, as is the case when citizens of a country utilize public goods without paying their fair share in taxes
Gender Gap
the discrepancy in opportunities, status, attitudes, etc., between men and women.
Gerrymandering
term that describes the deliberate rearrangement of the boundaries of congressional districts to influence the outcome of elections. Regulatory Agency. a public authority/government agency that is responsible for carrying out authority over some area of human activity (in a regulatory/supervisory way)
GOP
Grand Old Party
Grass roots
A movement which uses the people in a given district, region, or community as the basis for a political or economic movement.
Gridlock
a situation when there is difficulty passing laws that satisfy the needs of the people
Independent Expenditure
elections in the United States, is a political campaign communication that expressly advocates for 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
Inside the belt way
an idiom that refers to the highway that has surrounded Washington D.C. since 1964
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
A politician who is still in office after having lost a reelection bid. legislative veto. The rejection of a presidential or administrative action by a vote of one or both houses of Congress without the consent of the president. representative democracy.
Liberal
A person whose views favor more govt involvemnt in business, social welfare, minority rights, &increased govt spending
libertarian
People who wish to maximize the personal liberty on both economic and social issues. Prefer small, weak government that has limited control over economy or personal lives.
Litigation
the process of taking legal action
Lobbyist
a person who takes part in an organized attempt to influence legislators
logrolling
the practice of exchanging favors, especially in politics by reciprocal voting for each other’s proposed legislation.
Mandate
the authority to carry out a policy or course of action, regarded as given by the electorate to a candidate or party that is victorious in an election.
Partisan
“party-affiliated”
Party platform
A list of actions which a political party, candidate or organization supports in order to appeal to the general public
Polarization
the divergence of political attitudes to ideological extremes.
Political Action Committe
a private group that raises and distributes funds for use in election campaigns.
Political culture
shared beliefs,values,and norms that define the relationship between citizens and government
Political Efficacy
A citizen’s belief that he or she can understand and influence political affairs. This sense is divided into two parts- internal and external efficacy.
Political Socialization
a lifelong process by which people form their ideas about politics and acquire political values
political suicide
Political suicide is 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 unfavourable or that might threaten the status quo
Pork Barrel Spending
The appropriation of government spending for projects that are intended primarily to benefit particular constituents, such as those in marginal seats or campaign contributors.
POTUS
Acronym for President of the United States
rank and file
Party members who are more active than the average voter but not a party leader
Red State
refers to states where the Republican candidate carried the electoral vote
Red Tape
an idiom that refers to excessive regulation or rigid conformity to formal rules that is considered redundant or bureaucratic and hinders or prevents action or decision-making. It is usually applied to governments, corporations, and other large organizations.
Safe Seat
an electoral district (constituency) in a legislative body (e.g. Congress, Parliament, City Council) which is regarded as fully secure, for either a certain political party, or the incumbent representative personally or a combination of both.
SCOTUS
supreme court of the United States
Sound Bite
a brief, memorable comment that can easily be fit into news broadcasts
Spin Control
the attempt to control or influence communication in order to deliver one’s preferred message. Spin is a pejorative term often used in the context of public relations practitioners and political communicators.
Stump speech
a standard speech used by a politician running for office.
Super PAC
can contribute unlimited amount of money to attack or promote a candidate, but they cannot directly coordinate or donate to their preferred candidate. Unlike regular PACS, they can accept money from individuals, unions, and corporations without limitation.
Superdelegate
party leaders and elected officials who become delegates to the national convention without having to run in primaries or caucuses
Swing State
a state that does not consistently vote either democratic or republican in presidential elections
Talking points
a succinct statement designed to support persuasively one side taken on an issue. - something that someone tends to be repeated in a debate or speech.
Whistle blower
an employee who exposes unethical or illegal conduct within the federal government or one of its contractors
