Political Glossary of Terms

Glossary of Terms

administration The organized apparatus of the state for the preparation and implementation of legislation and policies, also called bureaucracy.

agenda-setting Controlling the focus of attention by establishing the issues for public discussion.

anarchic order Order resulting from mutual coordination in the absence of a higher authority.

anarchism A stateless society that allows total individual freedom.

anomic group Spontaneously formed interest group with concern over a specific issue.

aristocracy A form of government in which a minority rules under the law.

associational group Formally organized group which articulates the interests of its members over long periods of time.

asymmetrical federalism A federal system of government in which powers are unevenly divided between provinces, i.e. some provinces have greater responsibilities or more autonomy than others.

auction politics A danger in democratic politics in which state power may be "sold" to the highest bidding groups.

auditor general The official of Parliament whose staff audit the expenditures of government departments and who provides an annual report on instances of funds being unlawfully or unwisely spent.

authoritarianism A system of government in which leaders are not subjected to the test of free elections.

authority A form of power based on consensus regarding the right to issue commands and make decisions.

backbencher Members of Parliament on the government side who sit on the backbenches and are not in cabinet, or those similarly distant from shadow cabinet posts in opposition parties.

balance of payments A state's running account of economic transactions (exports and imports) with the rest of the world.

balance of power policy The active prevention of any one state becoming too strong by the major powers in the system.

balance of power The distribution of power in a system such that no one state may overwhelm others.

behavioural revolution The introduction of more empirical analysis into the study of government and politics.

bicameralism A system of government in which the legislature is divided into two chambers, an upper and lower house.

bill A piece of legislation under consideration by a legislative body.

binational state Two nations co-existing within one state.

bipolar An international system in which there are two dominant nation-states. bourgeoisie. A Marxist term referring to those who own the means of production.

bureaucracy A type of administration characterized by specialization, professionalism, and security of tenure.

cabinet solidarity A convention that all cabinet ministers publicly support whatever decisions the cabinet has taken, regardless of their personal views.

caucus A meeting of legislators of any one party to discuss parliamentary strategy and party policy.

central agency. Government agencies such as the PMO, the PCO, the Treasury Board, and the Finance Department that have certain coordinating functions across the whole federal public service.

charismatic authority Authority based on the admiration of personal qualities of an individual.

checks and balances A system of government in which power is divided between the executive, legislative and judicial branches of government, and these powers check and balance each other.

citizenship Legal membership in a community known as a nation-state.

classical liberalism A liberal ideology entailing a minimal role for government in order to maximize individual freedom.

coalition government A parliamentary government in which the cabinet is composed of members of more than one party.

coalition An alliance between two or more political units in response to opposing forces.

code civil The unique system of civil law used in Quebec.

code of law A comprehensive set of interrelated legal rules.

coercion A form of power based on forced compliance through fear and intimidation.

collective (public) goods Goods and services enjoyed in common and not divisible among individuals.

collective defence An alliance among states against external threats.

collective security A commitment by a number of states to join in an alliance against member states that threaten peace.

Cominform "Communist Information Bureau"; an international communist organization after World War II.

Comintern "Communist International"; also known as the Third International, the communist international organization between the two World Wars.

common law The accumulation of judicial precedents as the basis for court decisions.

communications (mass) media A general term for all modern means of conveying information.

communism A political ideology characterized by a belief in eliminating exploitation through public ownership and central planning of the economy.

comparative politics An area of political study concerned with the relative similarities and differences of political systems.

confederation A federal system of government in which sovereign constituent governments create a central government but balance of power remains with constituent governments.

confidence Support for the government by the majority of the members of parliament.

consent of the governed People's acceptance of the form of government under which they live.

conservationism The attempt to manage natural resources in order to maximize benefits over a long period of time.

conservatism A political ideology generally characterized by a belief in individualism and minimal government intervention in the economy and society; also a belief in the virtue of the status quo and general acceptance of traditional morality.

consociationalism A form of democracy in which harmony in segmented societies is maintained through the distinctive roles of elites and the autonomy of organized interests.

constituency A electoral district with a body of electors who vote for a representative in an elected assembly.

constitution The fundamental rules and principles by which a state is organized.

constitutionalism The belief that governments will defer to the rules and principles enshrined in a constitution and uphold the rule of law.

constructive vote of confidence A system in which the majority in the lower house can bring down the government, but not until that majority approves another government (e.g. in Germany).

contracting out The hiring of private organizations to provide public services.

convention A practice or custom followed in government although not explicitly written in the constitution or in legislation.

corporatism The organization of liberal democracies in such a way that the state is the dominant force in society and the activities of all interests in society are subordinate to that force.

coup d’état A forceful and unconstitutional change of government, often by a faction within the military or the ruling party.

credit Any transaction which brings money into the country (e.g. payments for the export of goods).

Crown corporation Corporations owned by the government that assume a structure similar to a private company and that operate semi-independently of the cabinet.

current accounts surplus A state selling more to the world than it is buying.

custom A generally accepted practice or behaviour developed over time.

customary law Rules of conduct developed over time and enforceable in court.

debit Any transaction which sends money out of the country (e.g. payments for the import of goods).

deep ecology A form of environmentalism holding that nature and the natural order should be valued over individual human happiness.

deficit Occurs when the value of a state's imports is more than the value of its exports.

delegate A representative role in which the individual subordinates his/her views to those of their constituents.

democratic centralism The concentration of power in the leadership of the communist party, which in theory acts in the interests of the people.

department of finance The government department that has overall responsibility for the government's finances and its role in the economy.

deputy minister The Canadian public servant who heads each government department, manages the department, and advises the minister.

deregulation A government policy designed to remove regulations on market activity.

devolution A system of government in which the sovereign central government devolves (delegates) power to regional governments.

despotism An individual ruling through fear without regard to law and not answerable to the people.

dictator In Roman Law, an appointed individual given exceptional powers in times of crisis.

dictatorship of the proletariat A revolutionary seizure of power by the "vanguard" of society, the communist party, which then rules in the name of the working class.

diplomacy A system of formal, regularized communication that allows states to peacefully conduct their business with each other.

direct democracy A system of government based on public decisions made by citizens meeting in an assembly or voting by ballot.

disallowance A power given to the federal government in the Constitution Act, 1867, under which the cabinet can nullify any provincial law, even though it has received royal assent from the lieutenant-governor of the province.

discretion The flexibility afforded government to decide something within the broader framework of rules.

distributive laws Laws designed to distribute public goods and services to individuals in society.

downsizing Reduction of the size and scope of government.

doxa Greek word for an opinion that may be at least partly true but cannot be fully expounded.

Electoral College The body which formally chooses the president of the United States.

elite A small group of people with a disproportionate amount of public decision-making power.

empirical Political analysis based on factual and observable data in contrast to thoughts or ideas.

episteme Greek word for knowledge that can be demonstrated by logical argument from first principles.

equality of opportunity The equalization of life chances for all individuals in society, regardless of economic position.

equality of result The equalization of outcomes of social and economic processes.

equality of right Application of the law in the same way to all.

equality rights A section of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms (s. 15) that prohibits governments from discriminating against certain categories of people.

ethnic group A group whose common identity is based on racial, national, or religious association.

executive A small group of elected officials who direct the policy process, and oversee the vast array of departments and agencies of government.

executive federalism A federal process directed by extensive federal-provincial interaction at the level of first ministers, departmental ministers, and deputy ministers.

extractive laws Laws designed to collect taxes from citizens to pay for governing society.

faction An association of individuals organized for the purpose of influencing government actions favourable to their interests, now known as interest groups.

fascism An extreme form of nationalism that played on fears of communism and rejected individual freedom, liberal individualism, democracy, and limitations on the state.

federalism A system of government in which sovereignty is divided between a central government and several provincial or state governments.

feminism The belief that society is disadvantageous to women, systematically depriving them of individual choice, political power, economic opportunity and intellectual recognition.

First International A loose association of socialist parties and labour unions in Western Europe, organized in 1864.

formal–legal institutions Institutions which are explicitly created by a constitution.

fragment theory A theory (proposed by Louis Hartz) which argues that colonial societies such as Canada originated as fragments of the larger European society and that these societies have remained marked throughout their history by the conditions of their origin.

free riders Those who enjoy a collective good without helping to pay for it.

free vote A legislative vote in which members are not required to toe the party line.

free-market environmentalism The view that environmental problems are best solved by property rights and markets.

functions The special activity or purpose structures serve in the political process; for example interest groups to articulate interests.

gerrymander Manipulating constituency boundaries for partisan election purposes. government. A specialized group of individuals, institutions and agencies which make and enforce public decisions.

head of government The person in effective charge of the executive branch of government; the prime minister in a parliamentary system.

head of state An individual who represents the state but does not exercise political power.

human rights Rights thought to belong to all people simply because they are human beings.

ideological party A type of political party which emphasizes ideological purity over the attainment of power.

ideology A system of beliefs and values that explains society and prescribes the role of government.

influence A form of power based on the ability to persuade others to share in a desired objective.

informal institutions Institutions which are an integral part of the political process, but which are not established by a constitution.

initiative The initiation of legislative action on a particular issue by way of a voters' petition.

institutional group Groups which are closely associated with the government and act internally to influence public decisions.

interest (pressure) group Organizations whose members act together to influence public policy in order to promote their common interest.

interest party A political party with a single interest or purpose, such as the Green Party.

international law The body of rules governing the relationships of states with each other.

International Monetary Fund An international organization created to prevent another collapse in the world monetary system through the stabilization of national currencies throughout the world.

international order The combination of major actors, rules, mechanisms and understandings to manage the co-existence and interdependence of states.

international regimes The pattern of regular cooperation governed by implicit and explicit expectations between two or more states.

international relations An area of political study concerned with the interaction of independent states.

intervention In a court case, the presentation of a view on the law without representing one of the parties in the litigation.

item veto The power of an American president or state governor to veto particular components of a bill rather than reject the entire legislation.

Judicial Committee of the Privy Council A British Court that functioned as Canada's final court of appeal until 1949.

judicial activism The willingness and inclination of judges to overturn legislation or executive action.

judicial review The power of the courts to declare legislation unconstitutional (ultra vires).

judiciary The branch of government with the power to resolve legal conflicts that arise between citizens, between citizens and governments, or between levels of government.

junta A Spanish word meaning a group of individuals forming a government, especially after a revolution or coup d'etat.

jurisprudence The philosophy and analysis of law.

justice The virtue of protecting individuals' possessions within the acknowledged rules of conduct.

laissez-faire The non-intervention of the state in the economy.

law Enforceable rules of conduct.

legal positivism A theory holding that law is the command of the sovereign.

legislature A representative assembly responsible for making laws for society.

legislature The branch of government responsible for making laws for society.

legitimacy Belief in the "rightness" of rule.

liberal democracy A system of government characterized by universal adult suffrage, political equality, majority rule and constitutionalism.

liberal feminism The advocacy of equal rights between men and women.

liberalism A theory of international relations stressing the rule of law.

limited government A state restricted in its exercise of power by the constitution and the rule of law.

limited state See limited government.

list system A form of proportional representation in which the elector votes not for individuals but for parties who have lists of candidates running for office.

lobbying An activity of interest groups aimed at influencing governors and the public to achieve a favourable policy decision(s).

logrolling The act of vote-trading among legislators in the process of getting legislation passed.

Magna Carta (Great Charter) A document signed by King John in 1215, conceding that the king is subject to law.

majority government A parliamentary government in which the party in power has over 50 percent of the seats in the legislature.

merit recruitment A system of hiring public servants on the basis of qualifications rather than on party preference or other considerations.

microcosm The idea that a governing body should be a miniature replica of the society it represents.

ministerial responsibility The principle that cabinet ministers are individually responsible to the House of Commons for everything that happens in their department.

ministry The entire group of MPs appointed by the Prime Minister to specific ministerial responsibilities.

minority government A parliamentary government in which the government party has less than 50 percent of the seats in the legislature.

mixed economy An economy based on both private and public (government-controlled) enterprises.

mixed-member-proportional (MPP) Electoral system in which voters cast two ballots, one for a local candidate running in a territorial constituency (first-past-the-post) and the other for a list of candidates put forward by a political party (list system).

modernization The gradual replacement of traditional authority with legal authority.

monarchy Form of government in which a single person rules under the law.

monism Exclusive emphasis on a single principle or interest.

movement party A type of political party which emerges from a political movement, such as a national liberation movement.

multinational state Three or more nations co-existing under one sovereign government.

multiparty system A party system in which there are three or more major contenders for power.



multipolar A system of actions involving several states.

nation Individuals whose common identity creates a psychological bond and a political community.

national interest Interests specific to a nation-state, including especially survival and maintenance of power.

nationalism The feeling of loyalty and attachment to one's nation or nation-state, and strong support for its interests.

nation-state A state with a single predominant national identity.

natural authority Authority based on spontaneous deference to an individual's knowledge or social position.

natural law Rules of conduct binding on humankind by virtue of human rationality alone.

neoconservatism An ideological term characterizing parties or politicians who not only advocate an end to government expansion, but believe in reducing its role via downsizing, privatization, and deregulation.

new international economic order A revision of the international economic system in favour of Third World countries.

nonassociational (latent) group A group which lacks formal organization but has the potential for mobilizing politically.

normative Political analysis based on values, commitments and ideas.

notwithstanding clause Section 33 of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, which allows federal or provincial legislatures to pass laws that may violate certain sections of the Charter.

official opposition In a parliamentary system, the largest of the opposition parties, given a special role to play in the legislative process.

oligarchy A form of government in which a minority rules outside the law. ombudsman. An official with the power to investigate complaints against government administration.

one-party-dominant system A party system in which there are political alternatives but a single political party dominates the political process as a result of the overwhelming support of the electorate.

opposition Those members of Parliament who are not part of the government of the day.

order-in-council Decision by Cabinet which carries legal force.

parliamentary sovereignty The supreme authority of parliament to make or repeal laws.

party discipline The convention that all MPs within any party vote together, as predetermined in the party caucus and enforced by the party whip.

patriarchy The domination of society by men.

peace-building A process for working towards objectives associated with peaceful coexistence of combatants.

peacekeeping The interposition of lightly armed military forces between combatants who have agreed to stop fighting.

permanent secretary The British equivalent of a Canadian deputy minister.

personal freedom The absence of coercion in various aspects of life.

personal party A type of political party founded by a single, overwhelmingly influential political leader.

philosopher–king Plato's view of the ideal individual who rules in the common interest and is directed by wisdom and virtue rather than the constraint of law.

planning Production and allocation of resources determined by a central authority.

plebiscite Another term for an advisory referendum.

pluralism The open competition of political interests.

plurality A voting decision based on assigning victory to the largest number of votes, not necessarily a majority.

policy community The network of individuals and organizations deeply involved in a particular area of public policy.

polis Greek city-state.

political alienation The sense of estrangement from political power.

political consultant A professional advisor who puts his/her political expertise to work in the private and public sectors.

political culture Attitudes, values, beliefs, and orientations that individuals in a society hold regarding their political system.

political economy The study of the involvement by the state in the economy of the nation-state.

political patronage Government appointments made as a payoff for loyal partisan activity.

political party An organized group that makes nominations and contests elections in the hope of influencing the personnel and policy of government.

political philosophy An area of political study based on historical, reflective and conceptual methods.

political police Forces reporting directly to a political leader who uses them for political purposes rather than law enforcement.

political process The interaction of organized political structures in making and administering public decisions for a society.

political socialization The process by which political culture is transmitted from generation to generation.

politics A process of conflict resolution in which support is mobilized and maintained for collective action.

polity A form of government characterized by popular sovereignty but exercised within a constitutional framework to prevent the oppression of the minority by the majority rule.

polyarchy Robert Dahl's term for pluralist forms of liberal democracy, in which there is competition between many different interests.

popular sovereignty Supreme authority residing in the consent of the people.

portfolio The administrative responsibility carried by a minister, usually some combinations of departments and other agencies.

post-materialism The shift in values since the late 1940s from public order and material prosperity to self-fulfilment.

power The ability to get other individuals to do as one wants them to do.

pragmatic party A type of political party concerned primarily with winning elections.

precedent A previous judicial case used as an example for deciding the case at hand.

preferential (alternative) ballot Electoral system in which voters rank the candidates.

prerogative The residual powers of the Crown that can be exercised at its own discretion.

Prime Minister’s Office Support staff appointed by the Prime Minister to carry out political functions.

priming The selective portrayal of political events and personalities by the media which in turn affects public opinion.

primus inter pares Latin phrase meaning "first among equals."

private law Laws controlling relations between individuals.

private member's bill Public bills introduced in the legislature by members who are not in the cabinet.

privatization The sale of government-owned assets or activities to the private sector.

Privy Council A ceremonial body made up of all present and former cabinet ministers.

Privy Council Office A governmental department that supports the prime minister, cabinet, and cabinet committees in devising government policy.

proclamation The announcement of the official date a new law will take effect.

progressive tax A tax rate which increases as the amount of one's income increases.

proletariat A Marxist term referring to those who sell their labour to the bourgeoisie; the working class.

property franchise (suffrage) The requirement that citizens own a stipulated amount of property to receive the right to vote.

proportional representation (PR) An electoral system in which the share of seats won closely matches the share of popular votes received.

provincial courts Courts created by provincial statute, staffed by judges appointed by the province to deal with matters such as small claims and minor criminal offences.

public authority Authority based on institutional office-holding.

public debt The accumulated sum owed by the government to its creditors.

public law Laws controlling the relations between the state and individuals in society.

qualified majority The raising of the simple majority requirement of "50 percent plus one" to a higher level, in order to protect the rights of the minority.

race A group of individuals differentiated through distinct physical characteristics and common ancestry.

radical feminism A belief that men and women constitute "sexual classes" and that women's subordinated status is the result of a system which is controlled by men.

readings First, second and third readings representing the introduction and debate of proposed bills in the legislative chambers.

realism A theory of international relations holding that struggles are resolved on the basis of power of conflicting parties.

recall The ability of voters in a constituency to remove their elected representative from office by means of a petition.

Red Tory A conservative with collectivist leanings.

redistribution The process of reallocating wealth and income to achieve an economic or social objective.

referendum A decision on policy proposals by a direct vote of the electorate.

reform liberalism A liberal ideology which advocates a larger role for the state in providing equality of opportunity.

regressive tax A tax that weights more heavily on low incomes.

regulative laws Laws that control individual and organizational behaviour.

regulatory agency Government agencies established to administer regulative laws in certain fields, e.g. the Canadian Human Rights Commission.

report stage The stage in the legislative process after the second reading when the House debates the committee's report on a proposed bill.

representative democracy A system of government based on the election of decision-makers by the people.

residual powers Those powers in a federal system of government not explicitly allocated in a constitution.

responsible government A form of government in which the political executive must retain the confidence of a majority of the elected legislature or assembly, and it must resign or call an election if and when it is defeated on a vote of nonconfidence.

royal assent The approval of a bill by the Crown.

rule of law Belief that all actions, of individuals and governments, are subject to an institutionalized set of rules and regulations.

runoff system An electoral system in which additional rounds of balloting are held (with trailing candidates dropped) until a candidate receives a majority of the votes cast.

scientific socialism The term Marx and Engels used to stress that their ideology was based on analysis of class conflict.

Second International The reunion of socialist and labour parties in Europe, with the absence of anarchists, established in 1889.

security dilemma The spiral of preparations and tensions which emerge when the protective actions of one state lead to countermeasures by another state. self-government. The right of members of a group to control their own collective affairs.

separation of powers The separation of powers between executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government.

shadow cabinet The cohesive group of specialized critics in the official Opposition party.

single-member-plurality system (SMP) An electoral system in which the candidate with the most votes wins, even though that win may not represent 51% of the votes.

single-party system A party system in which there exists only one party and no political alternatives are legally tolerated.

single transferable vote (STV) A form of proportional representation in which electors vote for individuals rather than party lists, but they do so by ranking the candidates in their order of choice.

social democrats Socialists emphasizing popular consent, peaceful change, political pluralism, and constitutional government.

socialism A leftist political ideology that emphasizes the principle of equality and usually prescribes a large role for government to intervene in society and the economy via taxation, regulation, redistribution, and public ownership.

social justice The partial equalization of wealth and income to reach a more desirable outcome.

society A self-sufficient group of individuals living together under common rules of conduct.

sovereign The highest or supreme political authority.

special (ad hoc) committee Legislative committees appointed for special, temporary purposes, such as to investigate a problem before the government prepares legislation on the subject.

spoils system The assumption that, after successfully winning an election, the political executive is entitled to appoint large numbers of supporters to the bureaucracy.

spontaneous order The pattern of mutual coordination that emerges as individuals pursue their own interests in society.

standing committee Legislative committees that are set up permanently and parallel government functions.

stare decisis The legal principle that precedents are binding on similar subsequent cases; the basis of the common law system.

state Combination of people, territory, and sovereign government. state-centric. An approach to international relations positing the sovereign state as the focus for understanding the nature and workings of the international system.

stateless society A society without a sovereign government.

statism The heavy intervention of the state in societal affairs, especially in the economic system.

statute A specific piece of legislation.

structuralism A theory of international relations stressing the impact of world economic structures on the political, social, cultural and economic life of countries.

subjects Members of a society who are not involved in the political process of that society.

suffragism A political movement by women to obtain the right to vote in an election.

superior courts In Canada, courts organized by provincial statute, staffed by judges appointed by the federal government.

symbolic laws Laws designed to create special meaning for society, such as the adoption of a national anthem.

syndicalism A variation of socialism in which the workers own or control the factory or workplace.

Third International The political organization in which the official ideology was Marxist-Leninism or communism, established in 1921.

totalitarianism A modern form of despotic rule in which the state undertakes to remake society according to an ideological design.

traditional authority Authority based on birthright and custom.

Treasury Board A cabinet committee and government department whose primary responsibility is to oversee government spending.

tribe A community of people tied together by a myth of common ancestry.

trustee A representative who acts independently in deciding what is in the best interests of his or her constituents.

two-party system A party system in which there are two credible contenders for power and either is capable of winning any election.

two-party-plus system A party system in which there are two major contenders for power of approximately equal strength plus one or more minor parties able to win seats but not to control the government.

typology A broad classification scheme of governmental systems.

tyranny A form of government in which one person rules arbitrarily.

ultra vires Term used to describe an action which exceeds the conferred constitutional powers of the actor. Literally, "beyond the power."

unitary system A system of government in which a single sovereign government rules the country.

unwritten constitution An uncodified constitution established through traditional practice.

utopian socialism Early-nineteenth century socialism based on a universal appeal to reason.

veto The authorized power of a president to reject legislation passed by Congress.

violence The utilization of physical force or power as a means of achieving ends.

vote of censure A motion of nonconfidence requiring the prime minister and the cabinet to resign.

welfare state The provision for redistributive benefits such as education and health services by the state.

White House Staff Special advisors to the President, part of the Executive office and similar to the Canadian Prime Minister's Office.

wilderness preservationism A form of environmentalism positing the intrinsic importance of wilderness for humankind.

World Trade Organization An international organization created to provide the ground rules for international trade and commerce.

Zionism Jewish nationalist movement advocating establishment of a Jewish nation-state.

Glossary provided by:
Mark O. Dickerson & Tom Flanagan
Authors of An Introduction to Government and Politics, 5th Ed.

POLITICAL VOCABULARY for all

1. House of Commons: the primary governing body in Canada.

2. Senate: a secondary governing body in Canada.

3. Riding: zone containing voters.

4. Constituency: those in the riding who can vote.

5. Electorate: collectively, all those who can vote.

6. Governor General: queen’s representative in Canada.

7. Lieutenant Governor: queen’s representative in a province.

8. Mace: symbol of power (looks like a stick, but much fancier).

Senate Mace

9. Parliament: where the representatives meet to make laws and govern.

10. Republic: a system of governing that has built in checks and balances so that no one body has too much power. There is often a president and other body (bodies) that govern.

11. Cabinet: ministers who meet with the Prime Minister and are responsible for important departments (ex: military, health and welfare).

12. Monarchy: rule by a king or queen (maybe just in title).

13. Seats: places reserved for people who were elected to Parliament or to the provincial legislature.

14. Minority government: rule by a party that did not quite get the majority of votes. Example: total seats available: 65
Liberals: 32 Conservatives: 22 New Democrats: 11
If the Liberals join with the New Democrats they would have the majority of seats. The coalition government (i.e., two parties work together) would be called a Liberal minority government.

15. Balance of power: in the above example, the New Democrats would hold the balance of power.

16. Majority government: the party that won more than 50% of the vote.

17. Federalism: provinces or states that work together with an overriding authority or government. (the provinces work with the government in Ottawa).

18. Portfolio: the position the minister holds. All the information related to the minister’s office.

19. Congress: the place where two governing bodies meet in America: the Senate, and the House of Representatives.

20. House of Representatives: another of the governing bodies in America.

21. Whip: the person responsible for reminding the members of their party to vote, reminding party members to appear at press conferences, finding places for party members to have offices.

22. Primaries, really known as Primary Election: a method by which a political party chooses its nominees for public office. Winners of primary elections run against nominees of other parties in the general election.

23. Inaugural speech: the address the president gives to accept the office of President of the United States of America. He swears an oath of allegiance to America and to obey its constitution.

24. to summon Parliament: to call Parliament to order.

25. to prorogue Parliament: to call a recess in Parliament.

26. to dissolve Parliament: to end Parliament and call for elections.

27. By-election: a mini-election to replace an elected official who has died or resigned.

28. Lobby group: a group of people who promote their own interests by trying to influence people in power by meeting with them, or communicating with them in some way.

29. The Speaker: the person who maintains order in Parliament. She or he is to be non-partisan in their behaviour (i.e., does not favor her or his own political party). The Speaker maintains rules which have no specific party loyalty.

30. Mandate: permission to fulfill the promises made by a political party. The voters give the winning party this permission by voting for the political party.

31. Back benchers: people of a party who do not hold an important post in the government.

32. Budget: the government’s plan to earn, spend or save money.

33. Executive branch: deals with the leaders of the government.

34. Legislative branch: that part of the government which makes laws and Bills.

35. Judicial Branch (Judiciary): deals with specific cases to see if the law has been broken or not. It also deals with questions related to the constitution.

36. Session: the term used to indicate that Parliamentarians are at work.

37. Ballot: the paper one marks on to indicate one’s choice of candidates during an election.

38. Bi-cameral: a system of government having two governing bodies. In Canada these are the Senate and the House of Commons.

39. Pundit: an expert who comments on things political.

40. Spin doctor: one who talks in such a way as to make a bad situation look good or positive.

41. Veto (Latin = I forbid): the power to stop an action from happening in government. The president of the US has it, the Prime Minister does not.

42. Transfer payments: money sent from the federal level to the provincial level. This is a way for the richer provinces to help out the poorer ones.

43. Cabinet Shuffle: changing members that form an inner circle of advisors with the party leader.

44. fiscal: relating to financial matters; The fiscal year is the 12 month period in which many governmental transactions take place.

45. expenditures: the money the government gives out for things it needs or wants.

46. Memeber of Parliament = the person who is elected from your riding to represent you in Ottawa.

47. a primary is an election in which qualified voters nominate or express a preference for a particular candidate or group of candidates for political office, choose party officials, or select delegates for a party convention.

48. a Caucus: a closed meeting of a group of persons belonging to the same political party or faction usually to select candidates or to decide on policy; also : a group of people united to promote an agreed-upon cause

Vocabulary: Political Words

If you can’t tell a lame duck from a rubber chicken, here’s a guide to help you understand the language of politics.

Introduction

Scholastic Update

Every clique has its own language — an insider's jargon that people outside the group don't always understand. Filmmakers talk about "panning" and "fading." Retailers talk about "floor sales" and "back orders." Politicians have a language of their own too, and it often appears in media reports about politics.

What exactly do politicians mean when they talk about a "lame duck" or a "rubber chicken"? What is "red tape" and who is the "Silent Majority"? This glossary is designed to demystify some of these terms and explain their origins. The definitions that follow, with background drawn from "Safire's New Political Dictionary," should help you understand political talk a little better the next time you hear it on the evening news or read it in the morning papers.

Big Government: A negative term, used mainly by conservatives to describe government programs in areas where they believe government shouldn't be involved, especially those that spend money on social problems.

Bipartisan: A cooperative effort by two political parties.

Bleeding Heart: A term describing people whose hearts "bleed" with sympathy for the downtrodden; used to criticize liberals who favor government spending for social programs.

Bully Pulpit: The Presidency, when used by the President to inspire or moralize. Whenever the President seeks to rouse the American people, he is said to be speaking from the bully pulpit. When the term first came into use, "bully" was slang for "first rate" or "admirable."

Campaign: (noun) An organized effort to win an election. (verb) To strive for elected office.

Caucus: An informal meeting of local party members to discuss candidates and choose delegates to the party's convention.

Checks and Balances: The system of dividing power among the three branches of government (executive, legislative, and judicial) to prevent any one from having too much power. Each branch has some authority to check the power of the others, thereby maintaining a balance among the three.

Coattails: The power of a popular candidate to gather support for other candidates in his or her party. Winning candidates are said to have coattails when they drag candidates for lower office along with them to victory.

Convention: A national meeting of a political party, where delegates formally elect a party's nominee.

Dark Horse: A long-shot candidate.

Delegate: A representative to a party's national convention chosen by local voters to vote for a particular candidate. Each state is assigned a certain number of delegates based on its population.

Demagogue: A leader whose impassioned rhetoric appeals to greed, fear, and hatred, and who often spreads lies. Former U.S. Sen. Joseph McCarthy (see McCarthyism) is often cited as a classic demagogue.

Fence Mending: What politicians do when they visit their electoral districts to explain an unpopular action. The term originated in 1879, when Ohio Senator John Sherman made a trip home that most people considered a political visit. Sherman insisted, however, that he was home "only to repair my fences."

Filibuster: An attempt by a Senator or group of Senators to obstruct the passage of a bill, favored by the majority, by talking continuously. Because there is no rule in the Senate over how long a member can speak, a Senator can prevent a bill from coming up for a vote by talking endlessly. Senator Strom Thurmond of South Carolina set the record in 1957 by speaking for more than 24 hours without stopping.

Fishing Expedition: An investigation with no defined purpose, often by one party seeking damaging information about another. Such inquiries are likened to fishing because they pull up whatever they happen to catch.

Front Burner: Where an issue is placed when it must be dealt with immediately.

Gerrymander: The reorganization of voting districts by the party in power to insure more votes for their candidates. The term originated in 1811, when Governor Elbridge Gerry of Massachusetts signed a bill that changed districts to favor the Democrats. The shape of one new district supposedly resembled a salamander, provoking a Boston newspaper editor to say, "Salamander? Call it a Gerrymander!"

GOP: Grand Old Party, nickname of the Republican Party.

Grass Roots: Political activity that originates locally, or arises from ground level.

Ideology: An integrated system of ideas about politics, values, and culture. Those who espouse an ideology are sometimes criticized as rigid and narrow-minded.

Incumbent: A current officeholder.

Inside the Beltway: The area inside the Capital Beltway, a highway that encircles Washington, D.C. An issue described as "inside the Beltway" is believed to be of concern only to the people who work in and with the federal government and of little interest to the nation at large.

Lame Duck: An officeholder whose term has expired or cannot be continued, who thus has lessened power.

Left-wing: Liberal. The labeling system originated from the seating pattern of the French National Assembly, which put liberals on the left, moderates in the middle, and conservatives on the right.

Lobby: A group seeking to influence an elected official, or the act of doing so. The term originated in the 17th century, when people waiting to speak with legislators at the English House of Commons waited in a large atrium outside the legislators'hall, called the lobby.

Machine Politics: Politics controlled by a tightly-run organization that stresses discipline and rewards its supporters. Machines are usually found in large cities and are frequently accused of corruption.

McCarthyism: The practice of smearing people with baseless accusations. Refers to the tactics of Senator Joseph McCarthy, who in the 1950s destroyed the careers of many prominent Americans by branding them Communists.

Muckraker: A journalist who seeks out the scandalous activities of public officials. Derived from the Man with the Muck Rake, a character in John Bunyan's "The Pilgrim's Progress," who could never look up, only down.

Nomination: When a political party chooses its official candidate for a particular office.

Nominee: The candidate chosen by a political party to run for a particular office.

Photo-Op: Short for "photo opportunity," an event staged specifically for news cameras to help a politician appear on the evening news or in morning papers.

Platform: The positions that a party adopts, and stands on, at the beginning of an election campaign.

Political Party: An organization that seeks to achieve political power by electing its members to public office.

Political Suicide: A vote or action that is likely to be so unpopular with voters as to cause a politician's probable loss in the next election.

Poll: A survey used to gauge public opinion concerning issues or to forecast an election.

Pork Barrel: Wasteful and unnecessary projects that politicians secure for their local districts, usually to gain favor with local voters. The term dates from the days when salted pork was occasionally handed out to slaves from large barrels. An observer once wrote that the mad rush of politicians to get their district's share of treasury funds looked like slaves rushing to the pork barrel.

Primary: A state election in which party members vote for a candidate from within their party. The vote determines how many of that state's delegates each candidate gets.

Pundit: A political analyst, commentator, or columnist who usually works for a newspaper or magazine, or in broadcasting. Derived from a Hindi phrase meaning "learned one."

Reactionary: A militant conservative; opposite of "radical," which means ultraliberal.

Red Tape: Government paperwork and procedures that are slow and difficult. Stems from an 18th-century British practice of binding official papers with a reddish twine.

Rubber Chicken Circuit: The endless series of public dinners and luncheons politicians must attend to raise funds and make speeches. The food often includes chicken, which is cooked hours earlier and then reheated, giving it a rubbery texture.

Silent Majority: The mass of Americans whose opinions are not loud and public, but who together have enormous power. Popularized by President Richard Nixon, who claimed that Vietnam War protesters comprised a minority, while a "silent majority" supported the war.

Slate: Candidates for various offices running as a team; or a group of delegates running on behalf of one candidate.

Smoke-Filled Room: The sort of place where behind-the-scenes political wheeling and dealing, often devious, occurs. Refers to the penchant of many political operatives for smoking cigars.

Spin: A politician's attempt to shape the way the public looks at an issue or event, much the way a tennis player uses spin to direct the ball. Political advisers who spin are known as "spin doctors."

Stump: To campaign in person on a local level.

Swing Vote: The undecided, usually independent, portion of the electorate that can "swing" the outcome of an election one way or the other.

Trial Balloon: An idea a politician suggests in order to observe the reaction. If public reaction is favorable, the politician takes credit for it; if not, the idea dies quickly.

Whip: The party member who makes sure that all other members are present for crucial votes and that they vote in accordance with the party line. The term originated in British fox hunting, where the "whipper-in" was responsible for keeping the hounds from straying.

Whistle-Stopping: The practice of making speeches in many towns in a short time, often during a single day. When politicians traveled by train, small towns were called whistle-stops. Politicians would use the stop to deliver a quick campaign speech, often from the back of the train, before heading to the next stop.

Witch Hunt: A vindictive, often irrational, investigation that preys on public fears. Refers to witch hunts in 17th-century Salem, Massachusetts, where many innocent women accused of witchcraft were burned at the stake or drowned.

Definitions of Political Words and Terms

Numbers

527 political groups - the result of a loophole in Sect. 527 of the Internal Revenue Code. They are designed to bypass federal election laws, so they can raise unlimited soft money from individuals, corporations and unions and influence federal elections.

A

ACORN Scandals - In 2009, Hannah Giles and James O'Keefe, two private citizen journalists, went into several ACORN (Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now) offices across the U.S.A. and made hidden video recordings. They posed as a prostitute and pimp attempting to purchase a house with ACORN's help, for the purpose of prostitution using very young girls illegally brought into the country from South America. ACORN representatives were filmed offering advice on how to subvert the law to gain home loans, offered to assist with tax evasion, human smuggling and child prostitution.
ACORN was already under an ongoing investigation for voter fraud. Several employees were convicted of voter registration fraud in 2007. In 2008 they were under investigation for voter fraud in 14 states. In addition, Citizens Consulting Inc., the umbrella group controlling Acorn, was paid $832,000 by the Obama campaign for get-out-the-vote efforts in key primary states. President Obama got his start as a community organizer at ACORN in 1992, and in 1995 he defended ACORN in a key case upholding the Motor Voter Act, the very law that mandated postcard registration that flooded election offices with bogus registrations.
a priori - from cause to effect; from a general law to a particular instance; valid independently of observation.
abolitionist - one who favors doing away with slavery.
absolutism - the principle or the exercise of complete and unrestricted power in government.
acid rain - a theory that pollution rises into the atmosphere and chemicals are returned to earth in the rain.
ACLU - American Civil Liberties Union. Nonprofit, nonpartisan litigation and lobbying organization which, among other activities, defends "freedom of expression, privacy, due process, and equal protection on behalf of anyone, no matter how unpopular the issue.
ad hominem - appealing to a prejudice or emotion, to discredit what someone believes. Instead of addressing the opposing side's argument or position, you make a personal attack on their character.
affirmative action - laws mandating increased numbers of women and minorities, especially in employment.
altruism - sacrifice of the self for the welfare of others.
amendment - an alteration of or addition to a bill, constitution, etc.
anarchist - one who seeks to overturn, by violence, society and government, with no intention of establishing another orderly system.
Anarchist (libertarian) - this anti-american faction is made up of far-left extremists from the communist, socialist democrat, and environmentalist movements. They condemn capitalism, advocate intolerance and violence, utilizing terrorist methods to implement change.
Antifederalist - a person who opposed the adoption of the proposed U.S. Constitution.
Anti-Semitearbitrary - one who discriminates against or who is hostile toward or prejudiced against Jews. Sometimes used as a label for those who criticize Israel or it's policies, in order to intimidate and stifle disagreement.
Articles of Confederation - the constitution of the 13 American colonies, adopted in 1781 and replaced in 1789 by the U.S. Constitution.
atheism - the doctrine or belief that there is no God or gods.
attorney general - the chief law officer of a country or state and head of its legal department.
autarky - national economic self-sufficiency.
autocracy - a government where uncontrolled or unlimited authority is in the hands of one person.
axis-of-evil - countries to be attacked; Bush administration hitlist (currently includes Iran, North Korea, and possibly now Syria -
threatening moves against Cuba and Venezuela also made by this regime)

B

bear market - a declining or tending toward a declining in prices.
bigotry - intolerance of anyone else's creed, belief, or opinion.
bill - a form or draft of a proposed statute presented to a legislature.
Bill of Rights - a formal statement of the fundamental rights of the people of a nation; such a statement incorporated in the U.S. Constitution as Amendments 1 - 10, and in all the state constitutions.
bi-partisan - representing, characterized by, or including members from two parties or factions.
blow-back - the threat of American-made weapons being turned against American troops
Blue Dog Democrats - Democrats that frequently take Republicans or Independents political positions.
*brute force* hacker attack - one of most widely used forms of attack. It tries using every possible code, combination, or password until it finds the one that works. Some methods used to circumvent a brute force attack: 1) imposing a delay between failed attempts 2) locking the account after so many failed attempts and 3) requiring that two or three issued words, be typed back by you, to prove you are a person and not a computer, and 4) when you sign up for the account you answer 2-3 random questions. You can then be challenged to give the correct answer to one of the questions before you can proceed.
budget - an itemized estimate of expected income and expense and a plan of operation based on such an estimate.
bull market - a rise in prices. Characterized by favorable prospects for the economy.
bureaucracy - officials using fixed fules and a hierarchy of authority characterized by red tape, delay or inaction
Bush Derangement Syndrome (BDS) - The term BDS refers to a seriously paranoid state-of-mind, that affects some liberals. They blame President George W. Bush for virtually every ill in the world.
They also oppose any position advocated by the President just because he supports it, regardless of the position's merits. They become totally, foolish, unreasonable and belligerent in their opposition.

C

cabinet - a council advising a sovereign, president, etc.
campaign finance reform-Federal laws that are supposed to curtail corporations, issue-oriented advocacy organizations, and labor unions from communicating with the public about those who hold or seek public office via ads, as well as contributions.
capitalism - an economic system in which investment in and ownership of the means of production, distribution, and exchange of wealth is made and maintained by private individuals.
casuistry - application of general ethical principles to particular cases of conscience or conduct.
caucus - a closed meeting of a group of persons belonging to the same political party or faction usually to select candidates or to decide on party policy
censorship - suppressing books, plays, music, newspapers, speech, etc. because they are considered morally or politically objectionable.
chancellor - the chief minister of state as in Germany.
chaos - a state of utter confusion and disorder.
CIA - Central Intelligence Agency. The U.S. federal agency that coordinates governmental intelligence activities.
circuit court - the court of general jurisdiction in some states.
civil rights - the rights to personal liberty established by the 13th and 14th Amendments to the U.S. Constitution and certain Congressional Acts.
civil war - a war between political factions or regions within the same country.
class - dividing society into groups where the members of each group share basically the same economic and political characteristics.
Climategate - In 2009 there was a hacking of the Climatic Research Unit (CRU) at the Univ. of East-Anglia, in Norwich, England. Over a thousand emails were taken and the contents placed on the Internet for all to see. Controversy arose because the emails revealed that several climate scientists had colluded to withhold scientific information, interfered with the peer-review process to prevent dissenting scientific papers from being published. These scientists also deleted emails and to prevent data from being revealed under the Freedom of Information Act. They also manipulated data to make the case for global warming appear stronger than it is.
Kevin Trenberth of the Nat'l Center for Atmospheric Research; Richard Somerville, a distinguished Professor Emeritus at Scripps Institution of Oceanography; and Philip D Jones a climatologist at the U. of East Anglia, were three of the scientists who had some of their emails made public.
Code Pink - Women for Peace - a group of feminist anti-war, anti-capitalism, Marxist activists. The leader, Medea Benjamin is a Socialist/Marxist. This group organizes protests, some of them violent. The Marxist World Worker's Party plays a crucial organizing role in their anti-American activities.
collateral damage - bystander casualties, ecological destruction and environmental contamination with potential to keep causing both
for long term
collectivism - centralized control of the social and economic elements of a society, especially the means of production.
communism - a system of social organization in which a totalitarian state, run by a single self-appointed political party, controls all economic and social activity.
competition - two or more entities, such as corporations, vying for the greatest amount of profits, prizes, acknowledgments, etc.
congress - the national legislative body of the U.S. consisting of the Senate and the House of Representatives.
conscription - the draft. Mandatory enrollment in the military.
Conservative - Represented by the Republican party, or political Right. One who generally favors economic liberty, free markets, private property, privatization of business and lower taxes. They claim to want less, or limited Government. They respect the dignity of the individual, prefering personal freedoms over equality. They support a strong national defense and their champion is probably Ronald Reagan.
conspiracy - an evil, unlawful, treacherous, or surreptitious plan formulated in secret by two or more persons.
The Constitution - the fundamental law of the U.S. framed in 1787 by the Constitutional Convention and carried into effect March 4, 1789.
Constitutional Convention - the convention of representatives from each of the colonies (except Rhode Island) that met in Philadelphia in 1787 to frame the U.S. Constitution.
Continental Congress - one of two continental assemblies that first met from September 5 to October 26, 1774, and afterward met from 1775 to 1789, during which period the Declaration of Independence and the Articles of Confederation were adopted.
creationism - the belief that God created the universe, including all life, in its present form precisely as stated in the Bible in the book of Genesis.
cyber terrorism - a surprise attack by a foreign terrorist group, or individuals with a political agenda, using computer technology and the Internet to cripple or disable infrastructure.

D

Darwinism - the theory that the origin of the species is derived by descent, with variation, from parent forms, through the natural selection of those best adapted to survive in the struggle for existence.
Dawa .. A duty to encourage fellow Muslims to piety. It also refers to proselytizing and encouraging others to study and convert to Islam.
debunk - .to expose a sham or falseness by presenting a truthful explanation
Declaration of Independence - the public act by which the Second Continental Congress on July4, 1776, declared the colonies to be free and independent of England.
decriminalization - the elimination of criminal penalties for the possession or use of something.
deficit - the amount by which a sum of money falls short of the required amount.
democracy - a form of government to which the supreme power is vested in and exercised directly by the people or by their representatives elected under a free electoral system.
democrat - One who advocates social and economic equality and government efforts, through tax-supported programs, at achieving this equality. Democrats favor liberal or progressive positions, some of which include opposition to the Iraq war, diplomacy over military action, globalism, welfare programs targeted to the poor, global warming, affirmative action, balanced budget and unionized labor.
democratic republic - a nation that favors states' rights rather than a strong national government.
depression - a prolonged and very severe recession. The economic crisis which began around the time of the stock market crash in October 1929 and continued through the 1930s.
determinism - a philosophical concept which postulates that all events, including human actions, are predetermined.
Dhimmitude .. An Islamic superstructure that denies equal rights. A non-muslim can practice their own religion but are considered inferior. Those who accept Islam due to force, fear or cowardice are inferior.
dialectic - the art or practice of a logical discussion as of the truth of a theory or opinion.
dictator - one who assumes absolute control without the free consent of the people.
disinformation - false information deliberately and often covertly spread (as by the planting of rumors) in order to influence public opinion or obscure the truth
doublespeak - language deliberately constructed to disguise its actual meaning
doublethink - maintaining a contradiction in mind as one speaks the opposite of one's own belief.
Dow Jones Industrial Average - a weighted average of thirty stocks chosen by Dow Jones and Company as representative of the size and financial performance of the premier corporations in America.
downsize - reduction of employees

E

earmarks - a term used to describe a very specific type of pork barrel spending. The earmark is usually a reward offered to politicians to get their votes on bills they would not otherwise support. A good example is the Obama Health care bill; Sen. Ben Nelson D-NE was given the "Nebraska Kickback" for his vote; and Sen. Mary Landrieu D-LA received what was called the "Louisiana purchase" for her vote. The earmark is inserted into a bill to benefit a special project for the politician involved. Pork barrel spending is often referred to as a "back room deal" during which taxpayer money is allocated without benefit of a public hearing or review.
Ecoterrorist - political terrorism; a person who uses sabotage, arson and violence in order to achieve environmentalist aims
egalitarian - characterized by the belief in the equality of all men.
embedded reporters - reporters who are absorbed into an advancing military unit, and who may even dress like soldiers, so that
they can make realtime reports from the front line.
empirical - depending upon experience or observation alone, without using science or theory.
Enlightenment - a trend during the 18th century that favored the power of human reason. It was believed that knowledge could only come from observation guided by reason and that through reason, continuing progress in knowledge, achievement, and morality could be sustained. Further, that through education, human nature could be changed for the better.
eliminationist - originally a term used to describe Hitler's plan to eliminate the Jews. Today it is often used to describe a group of environmental radicals who have apocalyptic environmental views that treat humans as a disease. Many believe animals are more important than humans. Eliminationists support programs for humans, such as: forced abortions, putting sterilizing agents in drinking water, other means of forced sterilization, and extermination.
environmentalism - advocating working towards the protection of air, water, animals, plants, and other resources from pollution and its effects.
Environmental terrorism - political terrorism; the use of sabotage, arson and violence in order to achieve environmentalist aims. The Unabomber, Chaim Nissim and James Jay Lee were all environmental terrorists. Animal Liberation Front (ALF), Earth Liberation Front (ELF), Greenpeace and Earth First! are organizations that support violent tactics.
ethnic cleansing - the deliberate and systematic destruction of a racial, political, or cultural group, also known as Genocide .
equality - the state in which all people, regardless of their individual characteristics and abilities and without any special privileges or advantages, have the same opportunities for economic, social, etc. achievement.
Eugenics - improving the human gene pool by discouraging procreation by persons with undesirable traits.
evolution - a theory that the various types of animals and plants have their origin in other preexisting types and that the distinguishable differences are due to modifications in successive generations; also : the process described by this theory
executive branch - one of the three main branches of the U.S. government which consists of 10 offices and 14 departments which are led by the President.


F

fascism - a totalitarian governmental system that emphasizes nationalism and racism and is led by a dictator.
federalist - one who advocates a strong central government.
FBI - Federal Bureau of Investigations. A federal agency charged, by the Attorney General, with investigating certain types of violations.
FCC - Federal Communications Commission. A board that regulates broadcasting and interstate communications.
FDIC - a public corporation established in 1933 which insures, up to a specified amount, all demand deposits by member banks.
Federal Reserve System - the U.S. federal banking system that is under the control of a central board of governors (Federal Reserve Board) with a central bank (Federal Reserve Bank) in each of the 12 districts. It has wide powers in controlling credit and the flow of money.
feminism - the doctrine of advocating social and political rights for women equal to those of men. (see NOW)
food police - individuals or groups who use a political bias as a standard to determine what is, and is not, healthy or appropriate for
human consumption.
free enterprise - an economic idea which states that a capitalist economy can, through supply and demand, regulate itself in a freely competitive market without governmental interference.
free shit - a slang term for welfare, food stamps, social security, Medicaid, public education, foreign aid and other items financed with taxpayer money and given by government to people who claim to have a need for them.
free speech - the right of people to express their opinions publicly without governmental interference, subject to the laws against libel, incitement to violence or rebellion, etc.

G

GDP - measures the value of all goods and services produced within a given nation's borders no matter what the producer's nationality.
GNP - measures the value of all goods and services in a given nation's economy and is determined by adding up all consumer, government, and investment spending both world-wide and domestically.
Gestapo - the German state secret police during the Nazi regime.
Global Warming - an increase in the earth's atmospheric and oceanic temperatures widely predicted to occur due to an increase in the greenhouse effect supposedly resulting from pollution
Global Warming Movement - a name given to an environmental movement that claims that humankind is to blame for any increase in the average temperature of the Earth.
globalization - to make a worldwide government in scope or application for the purpose of increasing the interdependence of the world's markets and businesses. Globalization is currently being promoted by the United Nations.
God - the Supreme Being, the creator, and ruler of the universe.
grand jury - a jury designated to inquire into alleged illegalities to determine whether or not there is sufficient evidence to warrant a trial.
gravitas - high seriousness (as in a person's bearing or in the treatment of a subject). Used by Al Gore during the 2000 Presidential election to portray himself as experienced. This unfamiliar word was suddenly being used by numerous members of the media and became ridiculed as orchestrated political spin.
greenhouse gases - gases in the atmosphere that absorb and emit radiation. Environmentalists believe that fossil fuels have increased the levels of carbon dioxide. There is much controversy if this is a natural occurrence in nature or man-made.

H, I

hard money - political donations given by individuals and political action committees and subject to federal contribution limits of $1,000 to a federal candidate, and $20,000 a year to a political party. (see Soft Money)
homicide bombers - terrorists who kill themselves while murdering others. This term is used as a harsher way to describe a suicide bomber.
Homophobia - fear of, aversion to, or discrimination against homosexuality or homosexuals. Labeling someone Homophobic, is a strategy sometimes used by the "politically correct", to intimidate and stifle legitimate disagreement on homosexual issues.
Illuminati - persons possessing or claiming to possess superior understanding and knowledge.
impeachment - a formal accusation in Congress or state legislature against a public official and the resulting trial.
independent - The principled independent voter is registered as an independent and is not affiliated with a political party. He is motivated to vote and to acquire information out of a sense of civic duty (nonpartisan). The most prevalent however, is the moderate independent. He is a partisan, belonging to a political party, but is a centrist who does not identify with the radical movements of that party. Independents are often seen as the deciding vote in a two party system election.
Intelligent Design - the theory that matter, the various forms of life, and the world were created by a designing intelligence
Islamophobia - fear of or aversion to Muslins or others of the Islamic faith. A belief that all Muslims are terrorists. Labeling someone Islamophobic, is a strategy sometimes used by the "politically correct", to intimidate and stifle legitimate disagreement on Islamic issues.
isolationism - a policy of national isolation by abstention from alliances and other international political and economic relations
inflation - a rise in the general level of prices of goods and services.
IRS - Internal Revenue Service. An agency of the U.S. Department of Treasury responsible for encouraging taxpayers to voluntarily comply with the tax laws and regulations. It also provides information and assistance to taxpayers and takes action when necessary and appropriate to enforce the law.

J

Jazyia .. a tax imposed on non-muslims in Islamic countries.
judicial branch - one of the three main branches of U.S. government whose function is to administer and enforce the laws of the United States.
junk science - a term used to describe false or misleading research that is offered as real science, but which was not obtained using the accepted scientific method . The term "junk science" is often applied to deceptive environmental and health studies.
justice - the quality of conforming to principles of reason, to generally accepted standards of right and wrong, and to the stated terms of laws, rules, and agreements, etc. in matters affecting persons who could be wronged or unduly favored.

K, L

Kyoto Protocol - a political effort put forward by an anti-industrial group that would require a new United Nations "green police" empowered to enforce compliance and monitor each nation's adherence to agreed limits. The UN will task the satellites, interpret their data, mete out fines, punishments and allocate energy consumption between nations. Kyoto would subject the U.S. to crippling restrictions based on politically motivated data.
labour party - a political party in Great Britain, formed in 1900 and characterized chiefly by broad social reforms.
labor union - workers who organize in order to, among other things, promote higher wages and better working conditions.
Laffer curve - a curve illustrating the relationship between tax rates and tax revenues. The curve reflects the fact that tax revenues are low for both very high and very low tax rates.
laissez-faire - the theory that government should not interfere in the direction of economic affairs.
legislative branch - Congress, which is comprised of the Senate and the House of Representatives. One of the three main branches of the U.S. government consisting of elected officials empowered to make, change, or repeal laws.
Liberal - Represented by the Democrat party, or the political Left. A Liberal is one who generally leans towards Democratic Socialism and even some degree of Marxism. They support the welfare state, Social Security and Socialized Healthcare. They believe that by raising taxes, and redistributing wealth, Government can eliminate the social inequalities they abhor. Their champion is probably Franklin D. Roosevelt.
Libertarian - (classic libertarian) - promotes tolerance, free will, and small government. They respect the individual rights of every person to include religion, speech, press and assembly. They advocate Capitalism, because it promotes free markets, private property and economic freedoms.
libertarian - (anarchist libertarian) - this anti-american faction is made up of far-left extremists from the communist, socialist democrat, and environmentalist movements. They condemn capitalism, and advocate intolerance and violence.
Lobbyist - to promote (as a project) or secure the passage of (as legislation) by influencing public officials
Log Cabin Republicans - a political organization which consists of gays and lesbians who are supporters of the Republican Party.

marginal tax rate - the amount of one's additional (marginal) earnings that must be paid explicitly in taxes or implicitly in the form of a reduction in the level of one's income supplement. Since it establishes the fraction of an additional dollar earned that an individual is permitted to keep, it is an important determinant of the incentive to work.

Marxism - a system of thought developed by Karl Marx, along with Friedrich Engels, which is the basis for the theoretical principles of communism. (see communism)

Masculism - The ideological flip side of feminism. It teaches that sexual equality laws serve primarily women and have created significant unconstitutional discrimination against men. They claim that these laws are "anti-male" discrimination laws which have been used to justify the vilification of men and the curtailing of men's rights.

Medicaid - a government program financed by federal, state, and local funds for hospitalization and medical insurance for persons of all ages within certain income limits.

Metrosexual - A term to describe a heterosexual urban male, who is vain, self-indulgent and grooms himself in clothing recommended by homosexuals. A kind of narcissistic, insecure masculinity shaped by film, advertising, and fashionable expensive clothes. These men are sometimes referred to as "girly men".

militant - vigorously active, aggressive, or combative.

military - U.S. armed forces comprised of the Navy, Army, Air Force, and Marines.

militia - all able-bodied males between the ages of 18 and 45 considered eligible for defensive military service in times of emergency.

minimum wage - the lowest wage payable, by law or union contract, to a company's employees.

misanthropy - hatred and distrust towards the human species and human pro-creation. Some radical environmentalists elevate animals in order to grant them human rights and view humans as animals, and would like to see laws enacted forcing human sterilization and/or genocide.

In 2010, James Jay Lee, environmental misanthrope, using explosives took hostages at the Discovery Channel for their programming for children, childbirth and the promotion of families, in general.

misogny - hatred, fear. and distrust of females. Manifested from jokes demeaning women, pornography, to violence against women. Sometimes comes from a patriarchal society that supports male-domination, subordinating women, not giving them access to power or decision making.

monarchy - a state in which the supreme power is vested in a hereditary sovereign such as king, queen, or emperor.

monopoly - a market situation characterized by a single seller of a good or service for which there is no comparable substitute and by factors that make it difficult for other firms to enter the market for that product.

Moonbat - a term used to describe alarmists, fanatical anti-war activist, environmental extremists, and other radicals and politicians. It is perceived that they have sacrificed sanity for uniformity .. like mad dogs barking at the moon. Their prophets include Gov. Jerry Brown, CA (Gov Moonbeam) and more recently, Cindy Sheehan (Mother Moonbat).

morality - the rules of right and good conduct.

MSM- Mainstream media. This is a reference to the major television networks, radio shows, and newspapers.

N

nation building - undertaken after war to help rebuild the political and economic infrastructure of a country.

national socialism - the principles and practices of the Nazi party in Germany. Grounded in military authoritarianism, opposition towards democracy, and the belief in the physical, moral, and cultural superiority of Nordic people, it idealized the state. (see Nazi)

nationalism - devotion to the interests of one's own country.

Nazi - a member of the National Socialist German Worker's Party, which in 1933, under Adolf Hitler, seized political control of Germany. (see national socialism).

Neo-conservative (Neocon) - the original neocons were Jewish-Americans, formerly socialist or communist, who moved over to the political right. Perceiving a split in the GOP, some came to use the term to vilify the "religious right" (Republicans that support Israel and Jews for biblical reasons).

More recently, the term "neocon" is has being broadened to include anyone who judges others using a "values" based morality, which includes the concepts of accountability and personal responsibility.

Neo-liberalism - Fundamentally a globalistic economic agenda. A program of reducing trade barriers and internal market restrictions

New World Order - a conspiracy theory regarding a supposed secret powerful and influential doomsday cult, generally referred to as the Illuminati or Bilderbergs, who are conspiring to rule the world.

NOW - National Organization for Women. An American organization that at one time had as it's primary goal, promoting equal rights for women. It has evolved into a group promoting leftist and lesbian causes.

O

oligopoly - a market situation in which only a few companies dominate and compete in a given industry

omnicide - Murder whose purpose is to destroy a species of humankind, utilizing weapons that are too terrible to be used, and whose use may result in the death of those using them as well as those they wish to kill. Suicide bombers commit omicide. The halocaust was omnicide.

One World Order - to make a worldwide government in scope or application for the purpose of increasing the interdependence of the world's markets and businesses. One World Order is currently being promoted by the United Nations.

outlays - monetary expenditures.

P

Pajahadeen/Pajama Bloggers - Jonathan Klein, president of CNN, airily dismissed the bloggers who dethroned Dan Rather as, "a guy sitting in his living room in his pajamas writing."

This elitist comment, evolved into the term "pajahadeen" or "pajama clad bloggers", used to describe the bloggers who have risen up against the mainstream media to uncover and expose their intentional political deceptions.

parliament - the legislature of Great Britain made up of the House of Lords and the House of Commons.

partisan - an adherent supporter of a person, party, or cause.

perjury - willfully lying under oath before a competent tribunal, about a point pertinent to a legal inquiry.

philosophy - pursuit of wisdom b: a search for a general understanding of values and reality by chiefly speculative rather than observational means c: an analysis of the grounds of and concepts expressing fundamental beliefs

PETA - People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. A group that supports animal "rights" by protesting medical testing on animals and the use of animals to make clothing, cosmetics, and other consumables including food.

piracy - information copying prohibited by current law. Illegally copying and distributing such things as software, music and movies.

pluralism - the view that the world contains many kinds of existent, which in their uniqueness cannot be reduced to just one or two.

philosophy -

plurality - the excess of votes received by the leading candidate in an election in which there are three or more candidates, over those received by the next candidate.

plutocracy - the rule of the wealthy.

polarization - this is what happens when the extreme wings of a party take control and moderates find that they have lost power.

politically correct - a speech code designed to limit free speech, conforming to a belief that language and practices which could offend political sensibilities (as in matters of sex or race) should be eliminated. Politically correct is often referred to as "PC".

politically incorrect - use of words deemed insensitive by the politically correct.

populist - a political party member seeking to represent the interests of ordinary people. In modern usage, being a populist, has become a political tactic. A politician merely claims he is seeking to represent the interests of "ordinary people", or that he is "one of them".

pork barrel spending - a derogatory term referring to appropriation of government spending for localized projects secured solely or primarily to bring money to a representative's district. Often this money is for absurd projects such as $107,000 to study the sex life of the Japanese quail; for private concerns such as $13 million for a private pleasure boat harbor in Cleveland; or money allocated to a powerful politician for a special project in his district, that will help him get re-elected. An example would be the Big Dig in Boston, a highway project which cost taxpayers about $22 billion. Another type of pork barrel spending is the Earmark, which is generally offered to politicians to get their votes on a specific bill they would not otherwise support.

Pork barrel spending is often referred to as a "back room deal" during which taxpayer money is allocated without benefit of a public hearing or review.

positivism - that which has to be accepted as we find it and is not given to further explanation.

POTUS- Presidents of the United States

prime rate - A rate banks use in conjunction with other rates such as LIBOR and Fed Funds to determine interest rates in lending transactions.

privatize - to convert businesses from government ownership to private ownership.

primary election - an election to determine which candidate will represent the party; or delegates from the State, who will then choose the candidate. Some states have closed primaries (only declared party members can vote) or open primaries, enabling you to vote without declaring a party affiliation.

Progressive liberal - Favor diplomacy over military action, stem-cell research, the legalization of same-sex marriage, secular government, stricter gun control, global warming and environmental protection laws. Also includes abortion rights, affirmative action and a belief that our domestic and foreign policy should conform with international directive.

propaganda - The common use of propaganda is to use false or misleading information to promote a partisan and unbalanced picture. It is a deliberate attempt to change people's views on a given topic through the use of deception and confusion, rather than persuasion and understanding.

property rights - the rights to use, control, and obtain the benefits from a good or service.

push back - Generally a reference to pushing back an enemy attack, forcing a retreat. The political use, this term references dirty politics, such as when one party will lie *loudly* about whatever they have been caught lying about or doing. The idea being to do or say whatever it takes, to demonize the enemy and force a retreat.

Q

quota - the number of persons of a specific race or gender required to be enrolled in a college, to be hired by a company, to be admitted to a club, etc.

R

racism - a doctrine that inherent differences in race determine individual achievement.

recession - a downturn in economic activity marked by two consecutive quarters in which there is a decline in real GNP.

republic - a state in which the supreme power is with the citizens entitled to vote and is exercised by representatives chosen by them.

republican - often called "Conservative" and represented by the Republican party, or political Right. One who generally favors economic liberty, free markets, private property and lower taxes. They encourage personal responsibility, want less, or limited Government and privatization of business. They prefer personal freedoms over equality and they support a strong national defense. Their champion is probably Ronald Reagan.

revenue enhancement - a term used to describe a tax increase, without having to call it a tax increase.

revisionist - Originally, it was a reference to the reexamination of the accepted "facts" and interpretations of history, with by a genuine desire to educate and correct history. However, it has become a term used to indicate that the history has been intentionally reinterpreted, to reflect a view that is not accurate in order to support an agenda.

S

S & L - Savings and Loan. Financial institutions that accept deposits in exchange for shares that pay dividends.

Science - knowledge or a system of knowledge covering general truths or the operation of general laws especially as obtained and tested through scientific method b: such knowledge or such a system of knowledge concerned with the physical world and its phenomena

Scientific Method - principles and procedures for the systematic pursuit of knowledge involving the recognition and formulation of a problem, the collection of data through observation and experiment, and the formulation and testing of hypotheses

Script kiddie- a non-expert who who lacks knowledge, experience or maturity. He uses pre-packaged automated tools written by others .. he simply runs scripts created by someone else.

SCOTUS - Supreme Court of the United States

SEC - Securities and Exchange Commission. A board charged with regulating the public offer and sale of securities.

secede - to formally break away from an alliance or federation, such as a political union.

sexism - discrimination against women in job opportunities, education, military, etc.

sexual harassment - unwanted sexually-oriented comments or actions made towards an employee by a superior or co-worker that disrupt the working environment and/or affect said employee's wages, opportunity for advancement, job security, etc.

Sharia .. the law of Islam that comes from the Quran and Muhammad. The views are interpreted by Shia jurists. There are many interpretations of Sharia which dictates common and civil law, politics, economics, sexuality, hygiene, diet, prayer, and fasting. Criticism of the Quran, Sharia and/or Islam can be punishable by death.

soft money - unlimited contributions to the political parties, from corporations, unions, and wealthy individuals. "Soft money" is

money donated to political parties in a way that leaves the contribution unregulated. (see Hard Money)

social democrat - one who advocates, through a democratic process, a slow transition to socialism.

socialism - a system of economic organization in which state owns and controls the basic means of production and where centralized planning, rather than market forces, determines the allocation of resources.

social security - a life insurance and retirement plan run by the federal government and funded through compulsory payments by employers and employees.

Socratic method - a teacher, by questioning his student, brings the student to recognize some conclusion without telling the student that the conclusion is true.

Spin - a political agenda, twisting truths or facts into something that "proves" your point of view.

suborn - to bribe or induce a witness to give false testimony.

subsidy - aid given by a government to a private commercial enterprise, a charity organization, etc.

suicide bomber - a Terrorist that kills himself in the act of murdering others.

surgical strike - an attack (usually without prior warning) intended to deal only with a specific target. Generally this is an attack using

guided weapons to hit one specific building, with minimal damage to the surrounding area.

syndicalism - Anti-capitalist, non-traditional socialist doctrine that sees the state as oppressive and advocates replacing the state system with production groups connected by a centralized agent which determines economic needs and organizes production. It is believed that working within such groups would unite workers and that this kind of unity would overcome diverging political and religious beliefs.

T

talking head - a talker on television who talks directly into the cameras and whose upper body is all that is shown on the screen

Taquiya .. Permission to lie about, denounce or conceal one's faith in Islam under physical stress or torture. Muslims are sometimes accused of using taquiya to disseminate false information, or lie for the furtherance of Islam. For example, the American Relief Agency, supposedly raised money for orphans. Later it was disclosed that this money was going to terrorist organizations.

Teabagger - a slang term for the act of a man placing his scrotum in the mouth of a sexual partner. Some members of the mainstream media made crude, vulgar jokes about the Tea Party movement, calling the protestors "Teabaggers"

Tea Party Movement - A grass roots movement (it is not a political party) started in 2009. The name references the Boston Tea Party protest of 1773. The movement is made up of several independent organizations, which all came together under a powerful, leaderless Tea Party movement. The movement grew rapidly, protesting pork barrel and government spending, the appropriation of the banking and auto industry, government takeover of Healthcare, the national deficit, and earmarks from congressional backroom deals. They showed up at Townhall meetings and decried politics-as-usual incumbents. The movement backed candidates replaced many incumbents during the 2010 election cycle.

terrorism - Terrorism is the unlawful use of force or violence against persons or property to intimidate or coerce a government, the civilian population, or any segment thereof, in furtherance of political or social objectives. (FBI definition)

theory - a hypothesis assumed for the sake of argument or investigation

think tank - a research institute or other organization of scholars, social or physical scientists, etc.

thought police - individuals or groups who use a political bias as a standard to determine what is, and is not, appropriate for others to think or say.

Tory - a member of the conservative party in Great Britain or Canada.

transgendered - exhibiting the appearance and behavioral characteristics of the opposite sex

Totalitarianism - A political system, generally Fascist, Socialist, and/or Communist, that recognizes no limits on it's power and authority. Generally a Dictatorship that controls the media, the economy and takes over private enterprise. Propaganda and collectivism replace human and individual rights. Government sponsored terrorism puts an end to freedom. Probably the most successful type of Totalitarianism, was the Marxism-Leninism of the Soviet Union, which defeated the Fascists of Germany.

transsexual - a person with a psychological urge to belong to the opposite sex that may be carried to the point of undergoing surgery to modify the sex organs to mimic the opposite sex

tree-hugger - an environmental extremist who supports the restriction of logging.

Troll - to allure, entice and bait. A person who gives false, outrageous, inflamatory, political statements, or insults, in order to provoke a desired response. The internet troll wants to make a fool out of anyone trusting enough, to take his comments seriously.

Truther / Troofer - A conspiracy theorist who believes the 9/11 Conspiracy theory that George Bush and/or the U.S. was at fault for the 9/11 attack on the World Trade Center. The *troofer* believes that only he comprehends the *truth* and the rest of the people are ignorant for not seeing their truth. The word was coined by the New World Order conspiracy theorist types, who believe a powerful secret group is conspiring to rule the world.

truthiness - a satirical term used to describe people stating concepts they want to believe, rather than the facts. Truthiness is felt emotionally and disregards actual evidence or intellectual examination.

tyranny - arbitrary and unrestrained abuse of power.

U

United Nations - an international organization, headquartered in New York City, formed to promote international peace, security, and cooperation under the terms of the charter signed by 51 founding countries in San Francisco in 1945.

unilateralism - a government acting on it's own, in it's own best interests. This would be opposed to going to the United Nations, to act jointly with other nations, on international principles designed to benefit "the many".

urban legend - a story of doubtful authenticity involving incidents of the recent past, often including elements of humor and horror, that spreads quickly and believed to be true

utilitarianism - Judging actions by their consequences and the pleasure derived from them. The goal being the greatest amount of happiness for the most people.

V

vast right wing conspiracy - a term coined by Hillary Rodham-Clinton to describe the accusations of, and the investigations into, President Bill Clinton's alleged misconduct and alleged illegal activities.

Vegan - extremist vegetarians who consume no animal food or dairy products. One who abstains from using animal products (as leather).

voucher - a government coupon given to parents that can only be used to send their children to the public or private school of the parents' choice.

W

Watergate - an illegal break-in, by Republican campaign employees, at Democratic party national headquarters in Washington, D.C. during the 1972 presidential campaign.

Weapons of mass destruction - often referred to as "WMD", they would include Chemical, Biological and Nuclear weapons.

welfare - financial aid that is funded by tax dollars and given by government because of hardship or need.

wingnut(s) - Generally, a person who holds extreme political views. The political usage: A name hurled at people whose remarks you want to discredit, but are too accurate to dismiss. The use of pejorative namecalling to demonize your opponents.

X, Y, Z

Zionism - a movement looking toward the segregation of the Jewish people, specifically seeking a Jewish legal takeover of Palestine.

Sources: The Random House College Dictionary, A Dictionary of Philosophy by Antony Flew, Economics - Private and Public Choice by James D. Gwartney and Richard L. Stroup, Principles of Finance by Robert W. Kolb.