Summer Assignment Terms

Question 1

Inside the Beltway

Answer 1

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

Question 2

Policy Wonk

Answer 2

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

Question 3

Flip-Flop

Answer 3

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

Question 4

John Q. Public

Answer 4

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

Question 5

Pundit

Answer 5

A knowledgable commentator or analyst who offers opinions on political events

Question 6

Political Hack

Answer 6

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

Question 7

Facetime

Answer 7

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

Question 8

Rank and File

Answer 8

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

Question 9

“Card Carrying”

Answer 9

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

Question 10

Dyed-in-the-Wool

Answer 10

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

Question 11

Closing Ranks

Answer 11

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

Question 12

Bleeding Hearts

Answer 12

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

Question 13

Big Tent

Answer 13

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

Question 14

Backbencher

Answer 14

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

Question 15

Power Base / “The Base”

Answer 15

The core supporters of a political leader or party

Question 16

Split Ticket

Answer 16

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

Question 17

The Amen Corner

Answer 17

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

Question 18

Ballot Stuffing

Answer 18

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

Question 19

Balanced Ticket

Answer 19

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

Question 20

Waffle

Answer 20

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

Question 21

Mudslinging

Answer 21

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

Question 22

Weasel Words

Answer 22

Deceptive or ambiguous language used to mislead or soften the truth

Question 23

Pressing the Flesh

Answer 23

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

Question 24

Dark Horse

Answer 24

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

Question 25

Stalking Horse

Answer 25

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

Question 26

Brokered Convention

Answer 26

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

Question 27

Political Spin / "Spinning"

Answer 27

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

Question 28

Shoo-In

Answer 28

A candidate or competitior who is almost certain to win

Question 29

Slate

Answer 29

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

Question 30

Stump Speech / On the Stump

Answer 30

A standard speech used by a politician during a campaign

Question 31

Coattails

Answer 31

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

Question 32

Gaffe

Answer 32

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

Question 33

Boondoggle

Answer 33

A wasteful or pointless project, often funded by public money

Question 34

Red Tape

Answer 34

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

Question 35

Trial Balloon

Answer 35

A tentative measure or statement made to test public reaction

Question 36

"The Hill"

Answer 36

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

Question 37

Guns or Butter

Answer 37

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

Question 38

Demagogue

Answer 38

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

Question 39

Entitlement

Answer 39

A government prgram guaranteeing certain benefits to a particular group

Question 40

Dead Cat Bounce

Answer 40

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

Question 41

Left / Right Wing

Answer 41

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

Question 42

Race-Horse Journalism

Answer 42

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

Question 43

Partisan

Answer 43

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

Question 44

RINO (Republican In Name Only)

Answer 44

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

Question 45

Bellwether State

Answer 45

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

Question 46

Battleground State / Swing State

Answer 46

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

Question 47

Wedge Issue

Answer 47

A controversial issue that divides a population or group

Question 48

Drinking the Kool-Aid

Answer 48

Blindly following a person or ideology without questioning or critical thought

Question 49

Tree Hugger

Answer 49

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

Question 50

Dog Whistle

Answer 50

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