Flashcards Political Terminology

Inside the Beltway

Refers to people and activities within Washington, D.C., especially those involved in the federal government and politics.

Policy Wonk

A person who is very knowledgeable and interested in the details of government policies.

Flip-Flop

To change one's position or opinion on a political issue.

Pundit

A person who gives opinions and commentary about politics, usually in the media.

Facetime

Time spent personally meeting or interacting with voters, supporters, or political figures.

The Rank and File

Ordinary members of a political party or organization, rather than its leaders.

Bleeding Heart

A person who is considered overly sympathetic toward people who are disadvantaged or in need.

Big Tent

A political party or group that includes people with a wide range of opinions and beliefs.

Power Base / The Base

The group of supporters who provide a politician or party with strong political support.

Split Ticket

When a voter votes for candidates from different political parties in the same election.

Ballot Stuffing

The illegal practice of adding fraudulent or extra votes to an election.

Balanced Ticket

A group of political candidates chosen to appeal to different groups or regions of voters.

Waffle / Waffling

To avoid giving a clear answer or to repeatedly change one's position on an issue.

Mudslinging

Using insults, accusations, or negative attacks against a political opponent.

Weasel Words

Vague or misleading words used to avoid making a clear or definite statement.

Pressing the Flesh

A politician personally meeting, greeting, and shaking hands with voters.

Dark Horse / Stalking Horse

A dark horse is an unexpected candidate who gains support; a stalking horse is a candidate used to advance another person's goals.

Political Spin / Spinning

Presenting political events or information in a way that makes them look more favorable.

Shoo-In

A person or candidate who is expected to win easily.

Slate

A list of candidates running together or being supported by a political party or organization.

Stump Speech / On the Stump

A standard speech a politician gives repeatedly while campaigning.

Riding the Coattails

When a candidate benefits from the popularity or success of another candidate running in the same election.

Gaffe

A mistake or embarrassing statement made by a politician, especially in public.

Boondoggle

A wasteful or unnecessary government project that costs a lot of money.

Red Tape

Excessive rules, paperwork, or government procedures that make things difficult or slow.

Trial Balloon

An idea or proposal presented publicly to see how people will react to it.

The Hill

A nickname for Capitol Hill, where the U.S. Congress is located.

Guns vs. Butter

The trade-off between spending on national defense and spending on civilian programs and services.

Entitlement

A government program that provides benefits to people who meet certain eligibility requirements.

Left / Right Wing

Left wing generally refers to more liberal political views; right wing generally refers to more conservative political views.

Race-Horse Journalism

News coverage that focuses on which candidate is winning or losing rather than the candidates' policies.

Partisan

A person or group strongly supporting one political party or side.

RINO

"Republican In Name Only"; a term used to criticize a Republican who is viewed as not supporting traditional Republican positions.

Bellwether State

A state whose election results are often seen as an indicator of how the rest of the country may vote.

Battleground State / Swing State

A state where either major political party has a realistic chance of winning an election.

Wedge Issue

A controversial issue that divides voters and can be used to attract support or create divisions between groups.

Drinking the Kool-Aid

Being extremely devoted to or accepting of a political idea or group without questioning it.

Tree Hugger

A term, sometimes used negatively, for someone strongly concerned with environmental protection.

Dog Whistle

A political message that appears ordinary to most people but has a special meaning intended to appeal to a particular group.

Lame Duck

An elected official who is still in office but has limited political power because they will soon leave office.