AP US Gov/Pol Political Jargon

Inside the Beltway

Refers to U.S. politics and policymaking centered in Washington, D.C.

Policy Wonk

A person who studies, develops, and takes an enthusiastic or excessive interest in minor details of political policy.

Flip-Flop

A derogatory term for a sudden real or apparent change of policy or opinion by a public official, sometimes while trying to claim that the two positions are consistent with each other.

John Q. Public

A generic, personified name for the average, hypothetical member of the American public, representing the common person or "man on the street" whose opinions and interests may be overlooked by those in power.

Pundit

A person, often seen on mass media like television, radio, or online platforms, who provides expert commentary, opinions, and analysis on political issues and current events.

Political Hack

A party loyalist who promotes politics over principles.

Facetime

Politicians making public appearances to be seen and noticed.

Rank and File

The ordinary members or supporters of a political party or union, rather than the leaders or officials.

“Card Carrying”

Individuals who are officially members of a political party or group, often symbolized by an actual membership card, which signals their formal affiliation and support for the group's principles.

Dyed-in-the-Wool

Unchanging in a particular belief or opinion; inveterate.

Closing Ranks

Party members uniting and showing solidarity under pressure.

Bleeding Hearts

Liberals seen as overly sympathetic to social causes.

Big Tent

A party that includes diverse and sometimes conflicting groups.

Backbencher

A less influential legislator, often new or low-ranked.

Power Base / “The Base”

A politician’s core group of loyal supporters.

Split Ticket

Voting for candidates of different parties on the same ballot.

The Amen Corner

Loyal supporters who always cheer and agree.

Ballot Stuffing

Illegal act of casting extra or fake votes.

Balanced Ticket

 A candidate slate designed to appeal to varied voters (e.g., geography, race, ideology).

Waffle

To avoid taking a firm position on an issue.

Mudslinging

Attacking opponents with insults or personal charges.

Weasel Words

Vague language meant to mislead or avoid commitment.

Pressing the Flesh

Politicians shaking hands with voters.

Dark Horse

An unexpected candidate who rises to prominence.

Stalking Horse

 A candidate who runs to test support or divert attention.

Brokered Convention

A party convention where no candidate wins outright, requiring deals.

Political Spin / “Spinning”

Putting a favorable twist on events or statements.

Shoo-In

A candidate virtually guaranteed to win.

Slate

A group of candidates running together under one ticket.

Stump Speech / On the Stump

A standard campaign speech given repeatedly.

Coattails

When a popular candidate helps others from the same party win.

Gaffe

A mistake or slip of the tongue by a politician.

BoonDoggle

A wasteful, unnecessary government project.

Red Tape

Excessive government rules or bureaucracy.

Trial Balloon

A floated idea to test public or political reaction.

“The Hill”

Short for Capitol Hill, home of the U.S. Congress.

Guns or Butter

Government trade-off between military spending and domestic needs.

Demagogue

A leader who stirs up emotions, fears, and prejudices for power.

Entitlement

Government program guaranteeing benefits (e.g., Social Security).

Dead Cat Bounce

A brief recovery in popularity after a steep decline.

Left / Right Wing

Liberal/progressive versus conservative political ideologies.

Race-Horse Journalism

Media focusing on polls and competition rather than issues.

Partisan

Strongly aligned with one party or ideology.

RINO

“Republican In Name Only,” used to label insufficiently conservative Republicans.

Bellwether State

A state whose vote often predicts national election outcomes.

Battleground State / Swing State

A state where either party has a real chance to win.

Wedge Issue

A divisive topic used to split the opposition or voters.

Drinking the Kool-Aid

Blindly and unquestioningly following a leader or cause.

Tree Hugger

A derogatory term for environmental activists.

Dog Whistle

A coded political message with a hidden meaning for a specific group.