Political Processes & Tactics Vocabulary

prolonged speaking to delay legislative action

“The senator's filibuster lasted fourteen hours.”

Origin: Spanish filibustero `pirate`, from Dutch vrijbuiter `freebooter`

manipulating electoral boundaries for advantage

“Gerrymandering created safe seats for the party.”

Origin: From Governor Elbridge Gerry + salamander (shape of a district)

a meeting of party members to select candidates or decide policy

“The Iowa caucus launches the primary season.”

Origin: Possibly Algonquian cau-cau-as'u `counselor`

authority granted by electoral victory

“The landslide gave him a clear mandate.”

Origin: Latin mandatum `something commanded`

a direct vote on a specific issue

“The referendum decided the constitutional question.”

Origin: Latin referendum `thing to be referred`

a direct vote on a major political question

“The plebiscite determined independence.”

Origin: Latin plebiscitum `decree of the plebs`

an alliance of parties or factions

“No party won outright, so a coalition governed.”

Origin: Latin coalescere `to grow together`

supported by two major parties

“The infrastructure bill had bipartisan support.”

Origin: Latin bi- `two` + partisan

an official whose term is ending with reduced power

“The lame duck president made few initiatives.”

Origin: Originally London Stock Exchange slang for a defaulter

exchanging political favors, especially votes

“Logrolling passed both senators' pet projects.”

Origin: From the practice of neighbors helping roll logs