US Politics Glossary
What's a "filibuster?" What's the role of a "superdelegate?" Here, we've compiled a glossary of important terms and concepts essential for understanding how U.S. politics works (or doesn't).
The Republican Contract With America
The Contract with America was developed by the U.S. Republican Party during the 1994 Congressional election campaign, the first mid-term election of the Clinton Administration. It was signed by all but two incumbent Republican Representatives and all non-incumbent Republican Congressional candidates.
The Contract with America was developed by the U.S. Republican Party during the 1994 Congressional election campaign, the first mid-term election of the Clinton Administration. It was signed by all but two incumbent Republican Representatives and all non-incumbent Republican Congressional candidates.
What Does It Mean To Be A Natural Born Citizen?
Only United States citizens have the right to vote and the right serve as an elected to the U.S. Senate or U.S. House of Representatives. But to run for President, you have to be a "natural born" citizen? What does that mean?
Only United States citizens have the right to vote and the right serve as an elected to the U.S. Senate or U.S. House of Representatives. But to run for President, you have to be a "natural born" citizen? What does that mean?
What Is The Emancipation Proclamation?
The Emancipation Proclamation consists of two executive orders issued by U.S. President Abraham Lincoln during the Civil War. These orders did not end slavery; that happened on 18 December 1865 with the passage of the 13th Amendment to the Constitution.
The Emancipation Proclamation consists of two executive orders issued by U.S. President Abraham Lincoln during the Civil War. These orders did not end slavery; that happened on 18 December 1865 with the passage of the 13th Amendment to the Constitution.
A Guide To Political Terminology (aka Jargon)
Every profession has its own special language, and the profession of politics is no different. Check out this evolving glossary of political terminology.
Every profession has its own special language, and the profession of politics is no different. Check out this evolving glossary of political terminology.
Alternative Minimum Tax
Definition of the "Alternative Minimum Tax".
Definition of the "Alternative Minimum Tax".
Appropriation
Definition of an "appropriation".
Definition of an "appropriation".
Coattail Effect, The
Definition of the "coattail effect".
Definition of the "coattail effect".
Congressional Adjournment
Definition of "congressional adjournment."
Definition of "congressional adjournment."
Congressional Recess
Definition of a "congressional recess".
Definition of a "congressional recess".
Earmark
Definition of "earmark".
Definition of "earmark".
First Amendment, The
Definition and text of the "First Amendment" to the U.S. Constitution.
Definition and text of the "First Amendment" to the U.S. Constitution.
Fourth Estate, The
Definition and role of "the fourth estate."
Definition and role of "the fourth estate."
Green Card
Definition of the term "green card".
Definition of the term "green card".
Greymail
Defines of the term "greymail".
Defines of the term "greymail".
Partisan
Definition of the term "partisan".
Definition of the term "partisan".
Presidential Line Item Veto
Definition of the "presidential line item veto".
Definition of the "presidential line item veto".
Unfunded Mandates
Definition and issues surrounding "unfunded mandates".
Definition and issues surrounding "unfunded mandates".
Seniority System, The
Definition and role of the "seniority system" in Congress.
Definition and role of the "seniority system" in Congress.
Veto
Definition and role of the "veto".
Definition and role of the "veto".