Political Terms to Know
Every industry, whether it’s fitness or legal, has its own lingo. A jargon / lingo is a vocabulary of a specific subject or a group of people in a particular industry. Each specific group or industry has its own language. For instance, in the restaurant industry, the compound word, “hockey puck” refers to a well done hamburger, and in the legal field, the term “perjury” means to deliberately lie under oath. Politicians also have their own lingo, and the press and news broadcasters use these political terms while they’re on political assignment.
More than likely, almost everyone has heard of the word “red tape” or “lame duck.” However, not everyone is familiar with these basic political words. The following is a list of words that will help clarify and breakdown these political terms:
Anarchy
A state of chaos due to lack or absence of government.
Big Government
A derogatory term that the conservatives typically use in order to oppose and criticize social programs, which are funded by the government.
Bipartisan
An agreement or cooperation of two opposing political parties (Democratic and Republican Parties).
Budget Deficit
When an entity has more money going out than coming in. In political terms, it refers to federal government spending. It is also known as national debt.
Bureaucracy
An administration of a government that is characterized by excessive red tape, rules, and procedures.
Campaign
A series of an organized operation in order to win an election.
Caucus
A political meeting of the members of a legislative party that is to choose candidates or to resolve a policy.
Checks and Balances
A government system that allows each branch of government to amend (modify changes) or veto an another branch of government in order to prevent any one branch from having too much power.
Conservative
In terms of politics or religion, a person who favors traditional values and viewpoints, along with opposing change or innovation.
Convention
A large national meeting of a political party in order to select political candidates for office.
Delegate
A politically elected or appointed person who represents his or her constituents (voters). A delegate is also a member of the United States House of Representatives.
Democracy
A government system that practices social equality, as well as representing the whole population.
Dictatorship
A government system that is governed by a dictator (a ruler) with absolute power.
Free Trade
An international trade system that allows traders to buy and sell goods internationally without boundaries, tariffs, or other restrictions.
GOP
An abbreviation for Grand Old Party, which is a nickname for the Republican Party.
Grass Roots
Political activities or organizations that start at a local level, instead of originating at the heart of a major political event.
Ideology
A system of ideas and ideals that reflects the beliefs of a nation, economy, and political system, etc.
Lame Duck
An elected official, such as the president, coming to the end of his or her term after a new successor has been elected.
Lobby
A group of people or enterprises trying to influence elected politicians or public officials on a specific issue.
Left-wing (Leftist)
A liberal or radical political party system. A leftist (a liberal) is person who favors political reform or change.
Libertarianism
A person who supports and promotes freedom and liberty.
Monopoly
A company having the sole or exclusive right over a business enterprise.
Neocon (neoconservative)
A conservative who believes in neoconservatism, which includes national interest in international affairs by enforcing U.S. military control. On foreign policy, neoconservatives are convinced that democracy should be instated worldwide, even in the Middle East.
Patriotism
Fierce loyalty and devotion to one’s country. However, during post Bush administrative era, the term patriotism has been used to criticize those who wear a flag on their garments.
Political Correctness
Insulting or excluding groups of people who are discriminated against.
Political Party
A political organization that pursues to gain political power.
Poll
A survey / vote system that gages the opinions of a public or focus groups.
Pork Barrel
The use of wasteful government funds for projects in order to win constituents’ votes.
Primary Election
An initial election that is designed for voters to nominate their party candidates for a political office.
Propaganda
The term propaganda is intended to be derogatory. Typically, it’s biased or misleading information that is used to promote a specific political point of view.
Red Tape
An obstructive official procedure that is tedious, labor-intensive, and bureaucratic.
Republic
A government system in which supreme power is held by the people and their elected representatives, instead of by a monarchy or dictatorship.
Silent Majority
An unspecified majority of citizens who are either too passive or do not wish to express their opinions and viewpoints publicly.
Swing Vote
A critical vote that will determine the final outcome of an election.
Swing Voters
A voter who is undecided, along with having no loyalty to any political party.
Third World Country
A group of growing nations, ranging from Africa to Asia, that do not have alliance or affiliation with the policies of United States or the the former Soviet Union.
Witch Hunt
A malicious campaign that is directed against a person or group who holds unconventional beliefs and views.