Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM

Browse over 1 million classes created by top students, professors, publishers, and experts.


See full index

AP US Government and Politics > Summer Assignment Terms > Flashcards

Summer Assignment Terms Flashcards

You may prefer our related Brainscape-certified flashcards:
AP® U.S. History flashcards U.S. Government Basics flashcards U.S. Geography flashcards AP® U.S. Government flashcards American Government 101 flashcards
1
Q

Inside the Beltway

A

Refers to issues or activities within the political establishment of Washington, D.C.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

Policy Wonk

A

A person who is keenly interested in and knowledgable about public policies and government

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

Flip-Flop

A

When a politician or public figure makes a sudden or dramatic change in their position or opinion

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

John Q. Public

A

A generic name in the United States representing the average person or the general public

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

Pundit

A

A knowledgable commentator or analyst who offers opinions on political events

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

Political Hack

A

A politician or government official who is more interested in personal gain than in serving the public

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

Facetime

A

Direct personal interaction or visibility, often used in the context of politicians meeting with voters

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

Rank and File

A

The regular members of an organization, as opposed to its leaders

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

“Card Carrying”

A

A committed and official member of a particular political party or organization

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

Dyed-in-the-Wool

A

An unwavering or staunch supporter of a particular cause or political party

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

Closing Ranks

A

When members of a group come together to support one another, especially during a time of criticism or attack

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

Bleeding Hearts

A

A deragatory term for people who are considered excessively sympathetic toward social issues

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

Big Tent

A

A political party or group that seeks to attract people with diverse viewpoints

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

Backbencher

A

A member of a legislative body who does not hold a leadership position and is not involved in major decsion-making

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

Power Base / “The Base”

A

The core supporters of a political leader or party

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

Split Ticket

A

Voting for candidates of different parties for different offices in the same election

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

The Amen Corner

A

A group of feverent supporters or followers who agree with and endorce everything a leader says

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

Ballot Stuffing

A

The illegal practice of casting extra votes to influence the outcome of an election

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

Balanced Ticket

A

A slate of candidates that is diverse in terms of ideology, geography, gender, or other factors

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

Waffle

A

To speak or write ambiguously or evasively, often to avoid taking a firm stance

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

Mudslinging

A

The use of insults or accusations, especially unjust ones, with the aim of damaging the reputation of an opponent

22
Q

Weasel Words

A

Deceptive or ambiguous language used to mislead or soften the truth

23
Q

Pressing the Flesh

A

Shaking hands with people, typically used to descibe politicians seeking voters

24
Q

Dark Horse

A

A little-known candidate or competitor who unexpectedly wins or succeeds

25
Q

Stalking Horse

A

A candidate put forward to challenge the incumbent or test the waters for another, more significant candidate

26
Q

Brokered Convention

A

A political convention in which no single candidate has secured a majority of delefates, leading to negotiations and deal-making

27
Q

Political Spin / “Spinning”

A

The act of presenting information in a biased or slanted manner to influence public perception

28
Q

Shoo-In

A

A candidate or competitior who is almost certain to win

29
Q

Slate

A

A list of candidates offered by a party or group for election

30
Q

Stump Speech / On the Stump

A

A standard speech used by a politician during a campaign

31
Q

Coattails

A

The influence or pulling power of a popular candidate or leader on the success of other candidates of the same party

32
Q

Gaffe

A

An unintentional mistake or remark by a politician that leads to public criticism or embarrassment

33
Q

Boondoggle

A

A wasteful or pointless project, often funded by public money

34
Q

Red Tape

A

Excessive bureaucracy or adherence to official rules and formalities, often seen as hindering effective action

35
Q

Trial Balloon

A

A tentative measure or statement made to test public reaction

36
Q

“The Hill”

A

Refers to Capitol Hill in Washington D.C., where the U.S. Congress meets

37
Q

Guns or Butter

A

A model illustrating the trade-off between a nation’s investment in defense and civilian goods

38
Q

Demagogue

A

A political leader who seeks support by appealing to popular desires and prejudices rather than by using rational argument

39
Q

Entitlement

A

A government prgram guaranteeing certain benefits to a particular group

40
Q

Dead Cat Bounce

A

A temporary recovery in prices after a significant decline, often seen in stock markets

41
Q

Left / Right Wing

A

Reters to the political spectrum, with left-wing associated with progressive or liberal policies and right-wing with conservative or traditional policies

42
Q

Race-Horse Journalism

A

Media coverage that focuses on the competitive aspects of politics rather than substansive issues

43
Q

Partisan

A

A strong, sometimes blind supporter of a part, cause or person

44
Q

RINO (Republican In Name Only)

A

A deragatory term used by conservative Republicans to describe members of their party they consider too moderate

45
Q

Bellwether State

A

A state that is seen as a predictor of the overall outcome of a national election

46
Q

Battleground State / Swing State

A

States where the outcome of an election is uncertain and both major political parties have a strong chance of winning

47
Q

Wedge Issue

A

A controversial issue that divides a population or group

48
Q

Drinking the Kool-Aid

A

Blindly following a person or ideology without questioning or critical thought

49
Q

Tree Hugger

A

A derogatory term for an environmentalist or someone who is perceived as overly concerned with protecting nature

50
Q

Dog Whistle

A

A political message that conveys a secondary, often controversial, meaning to a specific subgroup while seeming innoucuous to others

AP US Government and Politics (1 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2024 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions